Pittsburgh police confirmed multiple casualties, at least three officers shot, and a suspect in custody following an active shooting at a synagogue Saturday.
The brazen attack occurred inside the Tree of Life Synagogue in the city’s predominantly Jewish Squirrel Hill neighborhood just 10 minutes from downtown. Pennsylvania State Police confirmed an “actor was in custody” but did not immediately name him.
The man reportedly shouted “all Jews must die” as he sprayed bullets indiscriminately, according to KDKA-TV.
Outside the synagogue, a massive police and medical response was evident.
“There were police cars everywhere, guns drawn, rifles,” Tree of Life immediate past President Michael Eisenberg, who was trying to get to the synagogue when the attack occurred, told KDKA. “It was surreal.”
Eisenberg, who spoke with a maintenance man who hid during the attack, said there were three congregations meeting simultaneously, with as many as 100 people present at the time of the shooting.
Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer Chris Togneri told Fox News in a statement that there was an active shooter but declined to make a comment “until the situation is resolved.”
KDKA reported people were barricaded inside the synagogue while residents were told to shelter in place in the Squirrel Hill area.
Jeff Finkelstein, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh, said he believed 60 to 100 people were in the synagogue at the time of the incident.
President Donald Trump tweeted about the developing incident.
“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!” he wrote.
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) October 27, 2018
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf tweeted about the active shooting, calling it a “serious situation.”
“We are still learning details about the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh but it is a serious situation. Pennsylvania State Police are assisting local first responders. Please stay away from the area and keep the congregants and law enforcement in your prayers,” he wrote.
We are still learning details about the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh but it is a serious situation. @PAStatePolice are assisting local first responders. Please stay away from the area and keep the congregants and law enforcement in your prayers.
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) October 27, 2018
He followed up his tweet with a lengthier statement, which said: “The shooting in Pittsburgh this morning is an absolute tragedy. I have spoken with local leaders and my administration, and the Pennsylvania State Police will provide any resources to assist local law enforcement and first responders.”
“These senseless acts of violence are not who we are as Americans. My thoughts right now are focused on the victims, their families, and making sure law enforcement has every resource they need.”
“We must all pray and hope for no more loss of life. But we have been saying ‘this one is too many’ for far too long. Dangerous weapons are putting our citizens in harm’s way. And in the aftermath of this tragedy, we must come together and take action to prevent these tragedies in the future. We cannot accept this violence as normal.”
In response, both the NYPD and LAPD said they would be deploying extra teams to synagogues and Jewish locations throughout the cities.
First lady Melania Trump tweeted about the incident Saturday. “My heart breaks over the news out of Pittsburgh. The violence needs to stop. May God bless, guide & unite the United States of America,” she wrote.
My heart breaks over the news out of #Pittsburgh. The violence needs to stop. May God bless, guide & unite the United States of America.
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) October 27, 2018
Pittsburgh’s sports teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Pittsburgh Penguins have expressed their condolences for the deadly shooting.
We send our thoughts and prayers to those affected by this morning’s tragedy in Pittsburgh. We will continue to pray for everyone involved.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 27, 2018
Pittsburgh City Councilman Corey O’Connor tweeted, “There is an active shooter near the Tree of Life in Squirrel Hill. Residents, please stay indoors. Our officers are on the scene. I will provide more updates once they are available.”
ALERT: there is an active shooter near the Tree of Life in Squirrel Hill. Residents, please stay indoors. Our officers are on the scene. I will provide more updates once they are available.
— Corey O'Connor (@CoreyOConnorPGH) October 27, 2018
See these tweets as well:
Moments ago President @realDonaldTrump tweeted about the active shooter that was reported at a synagogue in Pittsburgh https://t.co/7o3SyKywUb pic.twitter.com/19GIXzzeBy
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 27, 2018
Multiple casualties, three officers shot at Pittsburgh synagogue; suspect in custodyhttps://t.co/8QtXvEQzu2
— Sara A. Carter (@SaraCarterDC) October 27, 2018
NEW: NYPD is deploying extra teams to synagogues and Jewish locations throughout New York City amid shooting at Pittsburgh synagogue. https://t.co/HF4ks1hi4S
— ABC News (@ABC) October 27, 2018
#BREAKING: At least 7 people killed by active shooter at Pittsburgh synagogue https://t.co/uvTmF5tkue pic.twitter.com/pbqaysePPc
— The Hill (@thehill) October 27, 2018
This Fox News piece is used by permission; the Associated Press contributed. It is a breaking news story and continues to be updated.
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