A rabbi who was injured during a shooting at a Jewish synagogue had just last month labelled the Christchurch terror attack as "pure evil".
Yisroel Goldstein, who was leading the service at the Chabad of Poway synagogue north of San Diego, was shot and injured during the shooting on Sunday, according to the San Diego sheriff's department.
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One elderly female died in the attack while three others are in a stable condition in hospital after being injured.
Following the Christchurch terror attack of March 15, during which 50 people were shot dead in mosques, Goldstein took to his personal Facebook page to voice his disgust at what had happened.
"With what took place in New Zealand, it is our duty to recognise and be clear that this is an act of pure evil," his post read.
"Every human being is created in the image of G-d. Human life is precious. Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of New Zealand."
Goldstein is reported to have kept the synagogue's service going even after being shot and, according to the New York Post, the rabbi lost two fingers on one of his hands.
Early reports from police and news providers in the US indicate that the alleged synagogue shooter was inspired by the Christchurch attack.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Jewish Council issued a press release calling on people from all religions and backgrounds to unite together to end the attacks on places of worship.
"It is a very troubling indictment on the state of the world that people of faith cannot pray in peace without fear for their lives," the statement read.
"We hope people of all faiths and of none will join together to fight and defeat this scourge on humanity."
Newshub.
