At least ten people have been killed in a horrifying mass-shooting incident in the US city of Pittsburgh, after a gunman opened fire at the Tree of Life Synagogue, where hundreds of people were gathered for a Saturday morning service.
CBS News have identified the gunman as 46-year-old Robert Bowers. Police sources say he entered the building and shouted “all Jews must die” before opening fire, having earlier made a disturbing post about his intentions on social media.
He killed people on the ground level and in the basement of the building before fleeing to the third floor and exchanging shots with police. Sources say he was “crawling” and injured by gunfire when he surrendered to officers.
The attacks reportedly took place during a baby-naming ceremony at the synagogue, in the historic Jewish suburb of Squirrel Hill. The congregation there has been described as “close knit”, and the shooting labelled as an anti-Semitic attack.
We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the shooting at the Tree of Life in Pittsburgh. We are monitoring the situation closely. Our prayers are with the Jewish community in Pittsburgh on this tragic Shabbat morning.
— Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia (@JFedinPhilly) October 27, 2018
A number of police were injured before the gunman was taken into custody and the scene inside the building was described as “horrific” by first responders.
President Donald Trump gave a characteristic response, labelling the killer a “madman” and a “wacko” and saying that the situation would have been different if there was “protection” inside the synagogue, when asked about a possible link to US gun laws.
Just now: President Trump invited Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow to offer a prayer for the victims of the attack in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/7xSUm9y7QL
— The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) October 27, 2018
Ivanka Trump urged Americans to stand with Jewish people and “unite against hatred and evil”, calling the gunman “a depraved bigot an anti-Semite.”
America is stronger than the acts of a depraved bigot and anti-semite.
All good Americans stand with the Jewish people to oppose acts of terror & share the horror, disgust & outrage over the massacre in Pittsburgh.
We must unite against hatred & evil.God bless those affected
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) October 27, 2018
