At least 10 people have been murdered and a number of others wounded in a shooting at the Etz Hachayim Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, Pa, on Saturday. According to KDKA news, the suspect walked into the building, barricading himself inside, and yelled “All Jews Must Die!”
The gunman shot at police when they arrived on the scene, and the officers hid behind their vehicles. Four officers were shot. One of the officers is among the wounded. Police asked local residents to stay at home while they were exchanging gun fire with the synagogue shooter.
The injured multiple-murders suspect, a white male, crawled up to a SWAT team and surrendered. The suspect has been identified as Rob Bowers, 46, of Pittsburgh. He was armed with an AR-15 style rifle and multiple handguns.
President Donald Trump Tweeted a message as he was following the unfolding events in Pittsburgh.
Watching the events unfolding in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement on the scene. People in Squirrel Hill area should remain sheltered. Looks like multiple fatalities. Beware of active shooter. God Bless All!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)
The shooting happened during Shabbat services at the conservative Synagogue, and police say they received several calls from congregants who had barricaded inside the Synagogue.
As a precaution, police in marked cars have been placed near synagogues in New York and other areas.
President Rivlin said in response, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the events in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We are thinking of our brothers and sisters, the whole house of Israel, in this time of trouble, as we say in the morning prayers. We are thinking of the families of those who were murdered and praying for the quick recovery of those who were injured. I am sure that the law enforcement agencies and the legal authorities in the US will investigate this horrific event thoroughly and that justice will be served on the despicable murderer.”
PM Benjamin Netanyahu released the following statement, “I was heartbroken and appalled by the murderous attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue today. The entire people of Israel grieve with the families of the dead. We stand together with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh. We stand together with the American people in the face of this horrendous anti-Semitic brutality. And we all pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded.”
Minister Bennett will depart to the United States tonight.
Minister of Education and Minster of Diaspora Affairs Naftali Bennett will be departing for the United States tonight following the shooting incident against the Jewish community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Minister will visit the scene of the attack, meet the local community and participate in the funerals of those killed in the attack.
Bennett said. “When Jews are murdered in Pittsburgh, the people of Israel feel pain. All Israel are responsible for one another.”
He added, “The State of Israel is deeply pained by this terrible antisemitic murder. Our Jewish brothers and sisters came under a murderous attack while at prayer. Our hearts go out to the families of those killed, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured, as we pray this is the last such event. Jewish blood is not free. I am going to offer strength to the community and its leaders, and to examine how we can offer assistance. “May the memory of the murdered be blessed.”
Earlier this evening, Minister Bennett directed the Director General of the Diaspora Ministry to prepare to assist the Pittsburgh Jewish community, including the need for emergency and resilience teams that immediately left Israel for psychological assistance and community rehabilitation.