An anti-Semitic attack on Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath at a synagogue has left 11 people dead and 6 wounded Saturday. The suspect was taken into custody by swat officers at the scene and charged with 29 counts of violence and firearms related charges.
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…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 27, 2018
According to Fox News Robert Bowers, 46, was charged late Saturday with 29 counts of crimes of violence and firearms offenses after authorities say he carried out an anti-Semitic attack on Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. The bloody attack brought swift condemnation from President Trump and other leaders, and inspired a grim vigil in the city on Saturday night that attracted thousands.
Bowers is facing 11 counts of obstruction of exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death; 11 of use of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence; four counts of obstruction of exercise of religious beliefs resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer; and three counts of use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said police were dispatched to Tree of Life Synagogue at 9:55 a.m. after receiving calls describing an active-shooter situation in the city’s predominantly Jewish Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
He confirmed the 11 deaths — none of them children. As for the injury tally, he said it did not include the shooter, who was taken to the hospital after being taken into custody.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center officials said a 61-year-old woman was among the injured. Her injuries were described as “extremity soft tissue injuries that required cleaning in the operating room.” She is said to be in good condition and recovering.
Another victim was ID’d as a 70-year-old male with gunshot wounds to his torso “involving major organs in his abdomen.” He was undergoing his second operation and in critical condition, hospital officials said.
Police Chief Scott Schubert said that two police officers were hit during initial contact with the shooter and that two SWAT team members were also struck “during an engagement inside the building.” He confirmed that all four law enforcement officials are in stable condition.
The FBI special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh office, Bob Jones, said that it was the most “horrific crime scene” he’s witnessed in his 22-year career with the bureau. Jones said that the victims were targeted “simply because of their faith,” but that Bowers’ full motive was as yet unknown.
Bowers is said to have shouted that “all Jews must die” as he sprayed bullets, according to KDKA-TV. The attack took place during a baby naming ceremony on Shabbat, what is traditionally the busiest of days for…
ABC News reports that alleged social media accounts belonging to Bowers were filled wit anti Semitic messages. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said the FBI is investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Anti-Semitism has absolutely no place in our commonwealth. Any attack on one community of faith in PA is an attack against every community of faith. I want the Jewish community to know that we stand in support of you as we together mourn this senseless act of violence.
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) October 27, 2018