Poway, CA – The man accused of attacking a Southern California synagogue fired only eight to 10 of the roughly 60 bullets he had before his weapon jammed, prosecutors said Tuesday.
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John T. Earnest, 19, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder in the shooting that happened Saturday during a Passover service at the Chabad of Poway synagogue. One woman was killed and three people wounded, including the rabbi.
Earnest was arrested shortly after the attack with 50 unfired bullets, a tactical vest and helmet, prosecutors said during his arraignment.
At the hearing, a bespectacled Earnest stood behind a glass panel, wearing blue jail clothes and showing no apparent emotion. He uttered only one word — “yes” — to waive his right to a speedy preliminary hearing.
The judge scheduled a status hearing for May 30 and denied bail, calling Earnest an extreme threat to public safety.
Earnest was an accomplished student, athlete and musician whose embrace of white supremacy and anti-Semitism has dumbfounded his family and others who thought they knew him well.
He made the dean’s list both semesters last year as a nursing student at California State University, San Marcos. In high school, he had stellar grades, swam on the varsity team and basked in the applause of classmates for his piano solos at talent shows.
Earnest apparently became radicalized sometime over the last two years. He is also charged with arson in connection with an attack last month on a mosque in nearby Escondido.
If this terrorist perpetrated his heinous act in Saudi Arabia, he would be beheaded by sword in public, within a short time after conviction. There, there are no endless appeals which last 20-30 years, as is the case here. In fact, Saudi Arabia just beheaded about three dozen terrorists. If anyone doesn’t believe the above, just ask PaulinSaudi, who lives there, and who contributes to this site.
Nissim that he didn’t hurt more people, bH
Hashem yarecheim! We cant fathom to think if hed ch”v be able to perpetrate his plan. Hashem has shown us such kindness and this mamzirs gun jammed. May the kurban be the last and may her memory be blessed.
Even though California technically has a death penalty on the books, this 19yr old killer has a better chance of becoming the President of the United States than of being executed.
The Nazis, ym”s were also good looking like this rothzeach. Trump will say he’s only a misguided youth and that he’s generally a good person like there was some “good people” among the Nazis at their rallies.