In the chaotic aftermath of Saturday’s deadly mass shooting at the Chabad of Poway in California, a local doctor was among those inside the San Diego-area synagogue.
According to Fox News, he heard the gunshots and was soon met by parishioners who asked him to help treat the victims.
One source said he began performing CPR on one individual he would later realize was his wife, 60-year-old Lori Gilbert-Kaye.
The doctor reportedly fainted upon making the horrific discovery.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Gilbert-Kaye was the only fatality. Three others — including the rabbi Gilbert-Kaye reportedly jumped in front of as her final act — were also shot and are reportedly recovering from their injuries.
Dr. Roneet Lev spoke to the San Diego Union Tribune, recalling the incident he witnessed that cost Gilbert-Kaye her life.
“God picked her to die to send a message because she’s such an incredible person,” he said. “He took her for a higher purpose to send this message and to fight antisemitism.”
The suspected gunman, 19-year-old John Earnest, allegedly posted a hate-filled manifesto online prior to the apparent hate crime.
Mayor Steve Vaus said the community has united in the wake of the horrendous act.
“We always walk with our arms around each other, and we will walk through this tragedy with our arms around each other,” he said.
[Featured image: Lori Gilbert-Kaye, Facebook]
