An off-duty Border Patrol agent who tried to stop the suspected gunman behind a deadly attack on a synagogue near San Diego, Calif., on Saturday, is being hailed as a hero.
As the suspected shooter was fleeing the scene, the agent, who has not yet been identified, opened fire on him. San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore told reporters the agent did not hit the suspect, who was placed into custody soon after.
President Trump thanked the agent on Twitter.
“Sincerest THANK YOU to our great Border Patrol Agent who stopped the shooter at the Synagogue in Poway, California. He may have been off duty but his talents for Law Enforcement weren’t!” Trump tweeted Sunday morning.
Sincerest THANK YOU to our great Border Patrol Agent who stopped the shooter at the Synagogue in Poway, California. He may have been off duty but his talents for Law Enforcement weren’t!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2019
Customs and Border Protection acting Commissioner John Sanders said a Border Patrol agent based in the region had been on-site at the Chabad of Poway synagogue in Poway, Calif., and stepped into action when the shooting started.
“We have learned that one of our own off-duty Border Patrol agents was present and took actions that may have prevented additional loss of life. CBP will fully support our law enforcement partners who are investigating,” Sanders said in a statement.
One woman was killed and three others were injured when a 19-year-old gunman opened fire at the Jewish house of worship. The suspect was taken into custody by local police, but officials have not shared a motive.
