Statement from the family of the San Diego shooter:
We are shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible attack on the Chabad of Poway synagogue. But our sadness pales in comparison to the grief and anguish our son has caused for so many innocent people.
He has killed and injured the faithful who were gathered in a sacred place on a sacred day. To our great shame, he is now part of the history of evil that has been perpetrated on Jewish people for centuries.
Our son’s actions were informed by people we do know and ideas we don’t hold. Like our other five children, he was raised in a family, a faith, and a community that all rejected hate and taught that love must be the motive for everything we do.
How our son was attracted to such darkness is a terrifying mystery to us, though we are confident that law enforcement will uncover many details of the path he took to this evil and despicable act. To that end, our family is cooperating with investigators. We only ask that the media and the public respect our privacy and allow the criminal justice system to work.
Our heavy hearts will forever go out to the victims and survivors. Our thanks go to the first responders who prevented even greater loss if life and the well-wishers who have supported us. And we pray for peace.