A gunman shouting “all Jews must die!” entered a Pittsburgh, PA shul Shabbos morning as they were making a bris, opening fire on the gathering, killing 11 and injuring an additional six. Four police officers responding to the incident were also shot.
Etz Chayim, the synagogue where the shooting occurred, is a Conservative congregation located in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh where dozens attend services each week. There is also a day school located in the basement of the synagogue.
The shooter, identified as Robert Bowers, had recently been attacking Jews on social media and expressed his disappointment with President Trump for allowing his daughter Ivanka to marry Jared Kushner, a Jew. Bowers was shot multiple times by police, but he is alive and in fair condition in a Pittsburgh area hospital.
President Trump expressed his anguish at the news, tweeting “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.”
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt released the following statement in response to the horrific and fatal anti-Semitic attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh today.
“Our hearts break for the families of those killed and injured at the Tree of Life Synagogue, and for the entire Jewish community of Pittsburgh. We believe this is the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States. We are actively engaged with law enforcement to support their investigation and call on authorities to investigate this as a hate crime.
It is simply unconscionable for Jews to be targeted during worship on a Sabbath morning, and unthinkable that it would happen in the United States of America in this day and age. Unfortunately, this violent occurs at time when ADL has reported a historic increase in both anti-Semitic incidents and anti-Semitic online harassment. As we mourn those lost and search for answers, ADL will remain steadfast in its mission to fight anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it may occur.”
The Lakewood Police Department responded to the attack by increasing patrols around shuls this Shabbos. Police also stopped in at several shuls around town to check on their well-being.
Lakewood Police Chief Greg Meyer tells TLS “we have increased visible as well as plain clothes officers around Shuls and large gatherings in response to the Pittsburgh shooting. SRT is out as a visible deferent and patrols have also been increased.”
— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) October 27, 2018
A vigil, attended by both Jews and non-Jews shocked at the event, is being held outside the Etz Chayim synagogue tonight.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
UPDATE 9:00 PM:
Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles tells TLS he was shocked watching the news about the massacre.
“I don’t recognize this Country anymore,” says Coles. “Mowing down people when they’re praying – it hits home.”
Coles added, “We hear about these mass shootings and hope they are the last, and yet there’s another one. A church and and synagogue used to be a refuge from trouble. We need to figure out a way to stop this cycle of violence.”
“Everyone is praying for those killed and injured,” Coles said. “Prayers are needed.”
The Mayor reiterated what the Chief said, that patrols have been upped in Lakewood and keeping a close watch. Coles also said he will be looking into what type of security measures could be implemented in Lakewood.
OCPO: “This evening we offer our sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We salute the heroic Pittsburgh Police Officers that ran towards gunshots.
— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) October 28, 2018
Misaskim volunteers leave for Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/XuDHdlFCS9
— The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) October 28, 2018
(EXTERNAL VIDEOS)
BDE
Im in tears. We need rabbinical guidance to tell us what the message of Hashem is!!! We are not any safer here in America than we were in Europe!! There is so much hate against us!
Can’t agree with Eli g more. Can we please speak to the rabbanim and ask them maybe it’s time for some sort of security and deference? We all need to take the message home and try to be better people!
We need guns in shuls !!! This is the only way to defend ourselves.
i remember a holocust survivor who was a partisan fighter mamed Walter Peltz who was worried nack in the 70,80’s that this would happen in america led by the Militia/white supremacy. he visited our house on shabbos and would share stories.
walter would travel and speak in public schools and many places
i recall sitting in an airport and over hearing people sitting behind me speaking about walter and said walter was living in the old days and should move on. today unfortunatly proves walter was correct. hatred and anti semitism is sadly alive and strong even here in america.
we have to strengthen our beliefs in Hashem and realize evennin america it is Galus.
Time for serious teshuva as one loving nation together. On all levels from frum to Frei to chassidish etc…
Time for us to all be together with love and achdus no matter how Jewish a person is. Even if it’s bernie Sanders and Mark Zuckerberg.
May all the neshamos have an aliya and may mashiach come ASAP
I thought anti semitism is caused by Lakewood people? Hmmmmm
I thought its because were occupying land? Hmmmm
Unfortunately this tragedy confirms the already known. anti-Semitism is on the rise in the U.S.
I’m sick over this. Those poor people having a service for naming a baby. Please remember, this was a sick individual who did this. Normal people don’t behave this way, and don’t carry hate in their hearts. My question is he was arrested four times prior to this. Why didn’t the police look into this person when they saw that van filled with hate stickers?
How does guns in shul or a armed guard help? There were 4 armed injured police officers while the animal continued his rampage
To # 9,
Jay, The 4 police officers who were injured were shot inside the building after or during the shooting. Had there been armed guards inside, he may have been stopped before he shot anyone. Nobody can say for sure how this type of incident will unfold but my view is that it is better to be prepared (armed guards) that be caught without. Proactive is better than reactive.
Even if the guard would have been shot, (who knows, he may have still been able to prevent it) the shot would have alerted the attendees before he entered as well as alerting the neighborhood. Police would have arrived earlier & many lives could have been saved.
A guard is a deterrent too. Most shootings happen where there are no guards & gun free zones – its a fact
@Jay what does 4 injured officers ( may they have a speedy recovery) have to do with the fact that no one inside had a gun to defend themselves, they were totally helpless. Police can not and will not be there when an incident starts. People need to defend themselves before help can come. Plain and simple
There’s always another opinion, but you won’t get it if the comments are censored.
Such a terrible tragedy. Jews killed for being Jewish. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the injured and killed.
Our thoughts and prayers also for the injured police officers who rush in when everyone rushes out. We don’t say enough how much we appreciate you.
@Jay
Are you kidding me? There are in most cases close to an average of about 100 people in shul on Shabbos. They are sitting ducks chas v’shalom for any anti Semite to attack without any recourse to defend themselves. The fact that 4 police officers got injured is horrible but to say that a designated armed shul member wouldn’t have at least slowed down this murderous animal is totally ignorant.
@Jay. Not sure what your point is… I hope the four wounded Officers have a complete and speedy recovery. The best deterrent to crime is armed citizens. If someone has a gun there they might have been able to kill or wound him before 11 innocent people were murdered. He might have even prevented the officers from being wounded as well…
I’m curious if there’s any effort by askanim to actually begin allowing armed kehilla members in shul. As a legal gun owner I would be thrilled if this was allowed. There’s no possible way to protect a kehilla otherwise, a guard in every shul is not possible economically, and police response is frankly too late when an active shooter is engaged. One or two responsible kehilla members would be Hatzalas nefoshos mamesh.
Jay,
An armed guard actively on watch for signs of trouble, before it begins, has a better chance of mitigating the situation early on. Police responding after the fact are dealing with incident already in play with the shooter(s) having the upper hand, at least initially.
The government needs to pay for armed guard or military man in every synagogue and school.
Keep government out of our lives. Allow a designated synagogue member to carry a weapon.
Forget guns, what about phones ? I asked a Ruv if its allowed to carry a phone on Shabbos altz safek Pikuach Nefashos. He couldn’t Gina a heter. Now, would there be a heter to carry a gun altz Safek Pikuach Nefashos ?
Not so sure.
But we should all get gun permits, even if we dont buy guns we should apply.
That’ll scare them off.
Not sure A Rabbi will be matir carrying a gun to shul. But I once called a security company for an event. I was shocked at how cheap it is to get an armed guard. Our shuls are in session only a total of about 5 hrs a Shabbos. It’s under $100/week. Thats not so much. Plus, shuls that r close by can pool one guy. May he worth it. He can also be the Shabbos goy in case you need a light or the heat turned on/off. Our old Police Chief runs a security Company. We can ask him about multi-tiered pricing.
Something to think about.
Something to think about.
Who is speaking in that video?
This is one of the most detailed articles on this entire site. I like the amount of information given. Racism overall has risen, not just anti-semitism. Something needs to be done about these hate crimes against all that are different. Action needs to be taken.
You think no one had a phone in that synagogue? Didn’t seem to help much…
If we put down our phones and leave them outside shul, I promise you we will not need guns!
🙂
Brian Stelter works directly for George Soros by calling right wing radio “the alt right” and by denying that the caravan isn’t an “invasion”.
There should be guards at all shuls.
Stelter said Twitter wouldn’t let this guy on their site because they have standards BUT THEY ALLOW FARRAKHAN!
George Soros is the Devil and controls Twitter, CNN, and Brian Stelter.
Did you see Mr.Stelter’s pay stub to say he works for George Soros? Mr.Soros is not evil. Evil is an individual who kills congregants praying at any house of worship or innocent children as at Sandy Hook. In regards to the caravan, remember the St. Louis. They were fleeing Nazi Germany & few were saved.
Diversity & immigrants have made the US & will continue.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the community of Pittsburgh. May HaShem heal the wounded and have sympathy on the survivors, and loved ones who lost family members. It’s time to heal and time to feel for our brothers and sisters in this time of pain. We must eradicate the anti Semities, who wish to destroy us! May HaShem protect us all . G -D Bless America!!
Today it’s in Pittsburgh tomorrow it can be in Jacson or Lakewood or Toms River
You think I don’t pay attention to the cars who pass by on shabat with their finger sticking out . That comes from hate . Wake up the towns ship will wake up only after disasters and we don’t need to wait for it to happen
Yaakov Avinu prepared for war with Eisav with tefillos. Let us remember what really protects us! Although it may seem that guns in shul are the answer, remember that as yidden, tefillos and mitzvos are our only protection!
I’ve been yelled at and cursed at quite a number of times on my way to or from shul. To say that one of these hateful anti semites couldn’t snap and walk into any shul mowing people down chas v’shalom delusional. We must obviously to look for ways to improve ourselves and become closer to Hashem so that a horror like this doesn’t ever happen again. But let’s not be complacent and live in a bubble. Times are changing and anti semitism is on the rise big time. Either get security guards or start an organization just like Hatzolah of well trained individuals to carry guns in shul so that we are sitting ducks.
You have a point but be careful in stating it, “al tiftach peh lsatan”
Every Jew a 22.
When will the media wake up ?
Yes I said the media .
The media that is eager to portray our community in a negative light just to generate more clicks and make more money.
When will they realize that with constant demonization of a group of people, they are creating the next generation of haters .
Yes we have freedom of speech! But publications need to consider that inciting a few nuts can have disastrous consequences.
If anyone thinks I’m exaggerating just go check out the local NJ media and social sites .
It’s horrifying!
It’s time for unity . It’s time set aside our differences and stand up to bigotry.
Yes we are different! Yes we are not perfect! But we have a lot more in common than the we are portrayed by the “fake news”
the “Media” is aware. By doing what they do they create such story’s which gives them more clicks
The st Louis were fleeing mass murder the caravan isn’t they are just fleeing crime and lack of work much like what the south side Chicago is now lots of crime lack of work
If someone is shooting people you call the armed police because they have guns to be able to stop the guy
Doesn’t anyone remember the Har Nof massacre?! After that tragic event I remember there was a movement to leave phones OUTSIDE of shul. Why did that slip away? If they are targeting our shuls then WE need to strengthen them with NOT talking during davening & keeping our (yetzer hora in the pocket) phones out. It’s the only way to keep our makom kadosh safe!! Call me a “frummie” but it’s really the only way. Keep the shmoozing outdoors, davening is not THAT long but it’s THAT important!
The killer was radicalized by Fox News and other right wing media outlets. He believed that George Soros ( billionaire jewish philanthropher who is also a holocaust survivor) and other jewish financiers were funding the migrant caravan.
Chazal say that Yaakov Avienu prepared for Eisav with 3 things: outreach to his enemy, tefillah, and with war tactics!
Week after week the SPLC publishes data about hate groups. Has anyone here bothered to read it or to look at a map of the hate groups in your area and their activity? What about calling your local PD for training on what to do if a shooter shows up at your schul, yeshiva or kids school? These are all available resources.
All these ideas are nice, but given where and when this happened, I think this should be a serious wake-up call for chizuk in shemiras shabbos.
The splc are a hate group they claim anyone who is religious and is against gay marriage or abortion is a hate group
The killer was anti Trump and anti Israel like Farrakhan and Linda sarsour
Does anyone have the names of the injured so that we can include them personally in our tefillot?
When Rabbi Kahane O”H said “Never Again”, others claimed the slogan for themselves.
When he said “every Jew a .22” ; that “it is better to know How to use one and not-have to, rather than have-to but not know how”, he was reviled by complacent “leaders”.When he “marched on Washington to demand Freedom for our Soviet Brethren ” in the the first Jewish March since WW2, he was denounced yet “birthed the Freedom For Soviet Jewry Movement”. WHEN he as a Knesset MK was murdered in NYC ( by those who later twice blew up the WTC) ; unguarded by either of his Nations”while speaking against Arab abduction of Israeli girls” , he was forgotten….by all except those who Recall the kaballah of “the Kohen of War, the Moshiakh Ben Yosef and the Moshiakh Ben David”.May the Bait HaMikdosh be rebuilt Speedily and in our days,Omen!
Let us in Akhdut show the nations that a holy people’s blood is Not cheap, for the sake of the Almighty’s Holy name!Bait YAAKOV…LEKHU VNAILKHA.BEMOKOM SHEAIN ISH HISHTADEL LEHIYOT,ISH!
KOL YİSROEL ARACIM, ZEH LO-ZEH!
I Remember, our battle cries…
We were called….the “Defence”.yet, Farrakhan is still welcomed by, fools.Oh, my people…..