SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — Earll Pott, attorney for the parents and five siblings of accused Chabad of Poway attacker John Earnest, on Monday issued a statement in behalf of the family, whom he said retained his services Saturday night, hours after the shooting. Potts added that he represents the family as an advisor concerning the processes the alleged gunman will face, but does not represent the suspect himself.
The statement from the family said:
“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 not know, and ideas we do not 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 that he took to this evil and despicable act. To that end, our family is cooperating with investigators.
“We ask only 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 of life and the well-wishers who have supported us. And we pray for peace.”
Earnest’s father is John Earnest Sr. and his mother is Lisa. Attorney Pott, who is affiliated with Klinedinst attorneys in downtown San Diego, declined to provide the names of the siblings, noting that some of them are minors. He said the family is feeling grief stricken and besieged, and hopes to remain out of public view pending their son’s trial.
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Statement provided by Klinedinst Attorneys of San Diego.