Pittsburgh Police Department
Robert Bowers has been identified as the suspected gunman in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting which left multiple victims dead Saturday morning. A look through his social media accounts shows a series of troubling messages which include anti-Semetic remarks and a disdain for immigrants. The shooting took place at The Tree of Life in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood as a morning service was set to begin, meaning the building was full.
After taking multiple lives and exchanging gunfire with police, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.
KDKA’s Andy Sheehan says police sources informed him the gunman walked into the building and yelled, “All Jews Must die.”
Robert Bowers/Gab
The incident began around 10:45 a.m. ET. The synagogue was preparing for a service at the time police received calls that members of the congregation were barricaded inside. Multiple casualties were immediately reported, with numbers ranging from 4 to 7.
Police exchanged gunfire with the suspected gunman, with three officers getting wounded.
As soon as the heart-breaking news surfaced, President Donald Trump took to social media to express his condolences.
“Watching the events unfolding in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement on the scene. People in Squirrel Hill area should remain sheltered,” President Trump wrote. “Looks like multiple fatalities. Beware of active shooter. God Bless All!”
Vice President Mike Pence also commented, writing: “Monitoring reports of shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Praying for the fallen, the injured, all the families impacted, and our courageous first responders. God bless them all.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins also tweeted their thoughts and prayers to the victims.
Where Is The Tree Of Life Synagogue?
Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha is a traditional, progressive and egalitarian Jewish congregation located in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
The website states, “Tree of Life Congregation was founded more than 150 years ago, Or L’Simcha about 5 years ago. In 2010, the two Pittsburgh congregations merged to form Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha. As a conservative Jewish congregation, Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha remains true to traditional teachings, yet is also progressive and relevant to the way we live today.”
The synagogue is located on the corner of Wilkins and Shady Avenue.