Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Pennsylvania

11 dead and 6 injured as shooter opens fire during baby naming ceremony at Pittsburgh synagogue

The suspect is in custody in hospital.

LAST UPDATE | 27 Oct 2018

ELEVEN PEOPLE WERE killed and at least six more injured in a shooting at a synagogue in the US city of Pittsburgh today. 

The suspect, named as Robert Bowers, is now in custody in hospital. It is understood he shouted anti-Semitic slurs before he opened fire at a baby-naming ceremony at the Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighbourhood.

Three police officers have also been shot, the condition of the officers was not immediately clear.

The Pennsylvania attorney general has said the “shooter claimed innocent lives” at the family event. 

Attorney General Jeff Sessions later added that the Justice Department plans to file hate crime and other charges against Bowers. He called the killings “reprehensible and utterly repugnant to the values of the nation”.  

BNO news is reporting that the incident began there at 10am local time (3pm Irish time). Television pictures showed a police SWAT team and ambulances in the area.

Saturday morning would traditionally the busiest time of the week at a synagogue as it is the Jewish Sabbath.

US President Donald Trump condemned the attack  as “an assault on humanity,” and calling on Americans to “unite to conquer hate.”

In a pair of tweets, Trump said, “All of America is in mourning over the mass murder of Jewish Americans at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We pray for those who perished and their loved ones, and our hearts go out to the brave police officers who sustained serious injuries.”

“This evil Anti-Semitic attack is an assault on humanity. It will take all of us working together to extract the poison of Anti-Semitism from our world. We must unite to conquer hate.”

He has since travelled to southern Illinois for a rally. Trump said he chose to continue with the event because he did not want “evil people” to control his life. But he said he would change his tone while speaking. 

With reporting by AP 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
77
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds