California synagogue shooting: Police investigating possible link to mosque fire

As investigators search for answers in the deadly shooting at a California synagogue, police are looking into the suspect's possible link to a fire at a nearby mosque and taking extra steps to keep places of worship safe.

One person was killed and at least three others wounded in a shooting Saturday at Congregation Chabad in Poway, about 22 miles north of San Diego, according to authorities.

The San Diego Sheriff's Department said it assigned deputies to religious centers throughout the weekend. While security has been heightened, authorities said it is not indicative of a greater threat.

"We encourage our communities to continue with scheduled events and other activities as normal," the department said in a statement. "The suspect in the Poway incident today has been captured and we believe he acted alone."

The suspect in custody has been identified as John Earnest, a 19-year-old student at California State University San Marcos.

He was booked into San Diego Central Jail early Sunday on one count of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree attempted murder, according to the San Diego Sheriff's Inmate Website.

Authorities are investigating whether he is connected to arson at a mosque in nearby Escondido last month, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/california-synagogue-shooting-police-investigating-possible-link-to-mosque-fire/ar-BBWmE43?li=BBnbcA1