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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Suspect in California shooting detained in 2016 by US border security after arriving from PH

Suspect in California shooting detained in 2016 by US border security after arriving from PH

Published May 28, 2021 10:00 am

The suspect in the shooting rampage in San Jose, California on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) that left nine people dead, including a Filipino-American, had been briefly detained in 2016 by United States border security authorities after returning from a trip to the Philippines.

SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 26: People leave a gathering point for family members and VTA employees on May 26, 2021 in San Jose, California. A VTA employee opened fire at the yard, with preliminary reports indicating nine people dead including the gunman.
Philip Pacheco / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

According to a Department of Homeland Security memo obtained by the Wall Street Journal, US Customs and Border Protection held Samuel J. Cassidy, the 57-year-old suspect in killing his coworkers at the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) in San Jose.

Based on the Journal report, Cassidy had "books about terrorism and fear and manifestos ... as well as a black memo book filled with lots of notes about how he hates the VTA" when the US Customs and Border Protection held him after returning from the Philippines.

One of the victims, Paul DelaCruz Megia, 42, of Filipino descent, was the assistant superintendent in service management of VTA at the time of his death.

One of the vicitms, Paul Dela Cruz Megia, of Filipino descent (Linkedin/Paul Megia)

Megia began working with the VTA in 2002 as a bus operator trainee and later became a light rail operator before holding several supervisor positions.

In a statement released to the media, Megia’s wife Nicole Yamada described the victim as a “wonderful husband & father who was full of love, jokes, energy for life and always up for new adventures. I treasure all our memories," she said.

He was survived by his parents, Leonard and Edna, two sisters, Luci and Julie, and his three children from a previous marriage.

On Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, which has jurisdiction over the area of San Jose where the shooting incident occurred, is in the process of coordinating with authorities to get more information as it offered to provide assistance to the family of the Filipino-American victim if warranted.

"The Consulate extends its condolences to the families of the victims of the mass shooting in San Jose. The Consulate is confirming that at least one of the victims is of Filipino descent, and stands ready to extend assistance," the Philippine Consulate said in a tweet.

Related Tags

Philippines gun violence vta San Jose shooting California shooting
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