At least 11 people are dead and others are injured, including police officers, following a Saturday morning attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, according to reports.
Follow updates from Breitbart News on the latest developments. All times eastern.
Livewire highlights:
► Robert Bowers is identified as the suspected gunman who killed at least 11 people after opening fire on the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh. 6 were injured, 4 police officers were hurt.
► Bowers shouted ‘All Jews must die’ as he shot congregants.
► The shooting took place during a baby naming ceremony.
► President Trump denounced the shooting and said the facilities may have been lower if armed guards were protecting the building.
► Federal authorities have filed 29 charges against Bowers.
10:29 PM —
President Trump orders flags be flown at half-staff at the White House and all other public grounds and military posts in "solemn respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh" pic.twitter.com/lC05GBxrf9
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 28, 2018
9:49 PM — The man suspected of killing 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh has been charged with obstructing the exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death, according to the Associated Press. Federal prosecutors say Robert Bowers was charged Saturday night in a 29-count criminal complaint. It wasn’t immediately known if he has an attorney.
The charges also include 11 counts of using a firearm to commit murder, weapons offenses and charges alleging Bowers seriously injured police officers while obstructing the exercise of religious beliefs. Authorities said six people, including four police officers, were also wounded during Saturday’s shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
The charging documents were not immediately available in a federal court records database. Prosecutors have scheduled a Sunday morning news conference to discuss the case.
7:24 PM — Mourners in Pittsburgh are holding a vigil in memory of the victims killed at the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue.
These young people are incredible. High School students organized a vigil to mourn with their community. 11 people were killed and 6 were injured by a lone shooter this morning in a Pittsburgh Squirrel Hill synagogue. Hundreds gathered tonight to pray and sing together. @905wesa pic.twitter.com/eITb4UBVud
— Sarah Schneider (@sarahschni) October 27, 2018
Mourners are gathering for a vigil to honor the victims of the mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue; @MattFinnFNC reports. https://t.co/GiC03lWdkW pic.twitter.com/UHO1aX22gf
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 27, 2018
6:28 PM —
President Trump: "This evil anti-Semitic attack is an assault on all of us. It's an assault on humanity. It will require all of us working together to extract the hateful poison of anti-Semitism from our world. This was an anti-Semitic attack at its worst." pic.twitter.com/LSLi2v4qeS
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 27, 2018
6:15 PM — President Trump says he will be going to Pittsburgh after the synagogue attack.
5:41 PM — President Trump on the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting:
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
…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.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 27, 2018
5:25 PM — Police departments in several Phoenix-suburbs are stepping up visibility and patrols around houses of worship in their communities in the wake of a shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue in which 11 people were killed, according to the Associated Press.
Television stations KTVK/KPHO report that cities where police said Saturday they’re stepping up patrols and taking other steps include Chandler, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale and that several police departments’ spokesmen said synagogues will get special attention.
Sgt. Ben Hoster of the Scottsdale Police Department said there weren’t any credible threats against religious institutions in the area bu that the extra precautions being taken are intended to ensure their safety.
Hoster said police are encouraging residents to be aware of their surroundings and to say something if they see anything suspicions.
5:14 PM —
BREAKING: Sessions says feds will file hate crime, other charges against synagogue gunman that 'could lead to death penalty'
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 27, 2018
4:48 PM — Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby says: “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and families affected by what happened this morning. Knowing Pittsburgh, I know we’ll stick together and rally around them and be there to support and help in any way we can.”
4:47 PM —
Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert on synagogue shooting: "Two of the officers who were hit…were the first responders to the scene and were engaged. They're both in stable condition." https://t.co/XDYsvd3kuP pic.twitter.com/9QB6vr8gDQ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 27, 2018
4:39 PM — Criminal charges against Pittsburgh shooting suspect Robert Bowers could be filed as early as today.
“Please know that justice in this case will be swift, and it will be severe,” U.S. attorney for Western District of Pennsylvania says pic.twitter.com/61UJdxRVxX
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 27, 2018
4:32 PM —
Pittsburgh shooting suspect Robert Bowers is in fair condition after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds https://t.co/E2G5dL8DAv? pic.twitter.com/VgBSOlbvoZ
— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 27, 2018
4:24 PM — FBI agent Bob Jones on the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting: “This is the most horrific crime scene that I’ve seen in 22 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
“This is the most horrific crime scene that I’ve seen in 22 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” special agent in charge of Pittsburgh office of the FBI says. pic.twitter.com/NB40mjh8jN
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 27, 2018
4:24 PM —
NEW: PA Gov. Tom Wolf: "In the aftermath of this tragedy, we must all come together, and we must take action to prevent these tragedies in the future. We simply cannot accept this violence as a normal part of American life." https://t.co/ijpCDk798B pic.twitter.com/hWQ6mUFn2I
— ABC News (@ABC) October 27, 2018
4:23 PM —
Special agent in charge of Pittsburgh office of the FBI: We have no knowledge that suspect was known to law enforcement before today, says FBI believes he was acting alone.
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 27, 2018
4:13 PM — No children are among the dead.
BREAKING: There were 11 fatalities in synagogue shooting, according to Pittsburgh public safety director. None of those killed were children. pic.twitter.com/LpVMR9vctS
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 27, 2018
4:10 PM —
BREAKING LIVE: Pittsburgh officials share the latest on the mass murder of at least 10 people at a synagogue. Six police officers were wounded. https://t.co/DSNFXSxXGy pic.twitter.com/IqKnGaTSr6
— FOX 10 Phoenix (@FOX10Phoenix) October 27, 2018
4:08 PM — Unsurprisingly, Never Trumper David Frum finds a way to implicate President Trump in the shooting.
The would-be mail bomber targeted individuals who had been singled out for hatred by Trump. The Pittsburgh murderer does not seem to have been so specifically incited. Where Trump can be held to account after Pittsburgh is his brutal unconcern for others' suffering and grief
— David Frum (@davidfrum) October 27, 2018
3:56 PM — Powerful moment:
Just now: President Trump invited Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow to offer a prayer for the victims of the attack in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/7xSUm9y7QL
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 27, 2018
3:47 PM — President Trump will not cancel tonight’s rally in Murphysboro, Illinois.
President Trump says he will not cancel his Illinois rally tonight:
“We can’t let evil change our life and change our schedule. You go with a heavy heart, but you go.”
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) October 27, 2018
3:24 PM —
#BREAKING: Law enforcement confirms this is Robert Bowers, the suspect in the #Pittsburgh mass shooting at a #synagogue this morning: https://t.co/eBhot3qhze #WPXI pic.twitter.com/C49Ica1JIe
— Marlisa Goldsmith (@WPXIMarlisa) October 27, 2018
3:19 PM — Sources tell KDKA-TV that at least 11 people were killed in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.
#BREAKING NEWS: KDKA-TV sources confirm that at least 11 people have now died at the #Pittsburgh Synagogue mass shooting. 4 police officers shot, 2 of them in critical condition.
LATEST DETAILS: https://t.co/JhSP1URRNT
LIVE COVERAGE: https://t.co/43RnfPDuPZ pic.twitter.com/UiLoMmqcuA— KDKA (@KDKA) October 27, 2018
3:19 PM —
.@POTUS on Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: "There must be no tolerance for anti-Semitism in America or for any form of religious or racial hatred or prejudice." https://t.co/7o3SyKywUb pic.twitter.com/xM70laAQxM
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 27, 2018
3:03 PM — Sources tell the Associated Press that at least 10 people were killed in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.
BREAKING: AP sources: At least 10 people killed in shooting at Pittsburgh synagogue.
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 27, 2018
2:46 PM — The Anti-Defamation League calls the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting “likely the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States.”
NEW: Anti-Defamation League calls shooting at Pittsburgh synagogue "likely the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States."
"It is simply unconscionable for Jews to be targeted during worship on a Sabbath morning." https://t.co/MAwfElr9ft pic.twitter.com/p6PMRubZhl
— ABC News (@ABC) October 27, 2018
2:45 PM — WPXI’s Courtney Brennan reports law enforcement had “interactions” with Robert Bowers in 2004, the nature of which is presently unknown.
UPDATE:Sources say Dormont police had interactions with alleged gunman Robert Bowers in 2004.
I’m on the ground trying to get more information for you. #WPXI pic.twitter.com/ZMCyvkYef7
— Courtney Brennan (@WPXI_Courtney) October 27, 2018
2:31 PM — President Trump speaks to reporters about the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.
BREAKING: Trump says 'a lot of people killed' in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, 'looks definitely like it's an anti-Semitic crime.'
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 27, 2018
2:24 PM — In wake of the deadly shooting, President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he may cancel tonight’s rally in Murphysboro, Illinois.
President Trump spoke to reporters on Air Force One and said he's considering cancelling tonight's rally in Illinois.
— Meridith McGraw (@meridithmcgraw) October 27, 2018
2:10 PM — Vice President Mike Pence calls the shooting “an attack on innocent Americans and an assault on our freedom of religion”
Vice President Pence calls the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting "an attack on innocent Americans and an assault on our freedom of religion"
"There is no place in America for violence or anti-semitism and this evil must end" https://t.co/rldHevHSsX pic.twitter.com/Q6gILWnoUY
— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 27, 2018
1:58 PM — Washington, D.C. Chief of Police Peter Newsham tweets: “In light of the tragic events unfolding in Pittsburgh this morning. MPD will be providing an increased presence at our synagogues in the city…There is no known credible threat to Washington, DC.”
In light of the tragic events unfolding in Pittsburgh this morning. MPD will be providing an increased presence at our synagogues in the city. Our Special Liaison Unit will be contacting religious leaders. There is no known credible threat to Washington, DC.
— Peter Newsham (@ChiefNewsham) October 27, 2018
1:55 PM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is “heartbroken and appalled” by the shooting. “The entire people of Israel grieve with the families of the dead. We stand together with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh, we stand together with the American people in the face of this horrendous anti-Semitic brutality and we all pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded,” a statement via Netanyahu reads.
I was heartbroken and appalled by the murderous attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue today: pic.twitter.com/NBMO31lMU2
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) October 27, 2018
1:32 PM — Officials say the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting suspect has been identified as Robert Bowers, the Associated Press reports.
BREAKING: Law enforcement official: Suspect in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting identified as Robert Bowers.
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 27, 2018
1:29 PM — Hot take from journalist Joshua Albert, who has bylines on the Daily Beast and Philly Mag, per his Twitter bio.
https://twitter.com/jpegjoshua/status/1056236568241942528
1:26 PM — Hissrich cannot confirm the number of fatalities, says 6 are hurt, 4 of them are police officers.
1:25 PM — Hissrich says the FBI will lead the investigation into the shooting because it “falls under a hate crime being a Jewish synagogue.”
1:21 PM — Pittsburgh public safety director Wendell Hissrich says the shooting scene is “very bad inside,” adding it’s “one of the worst I’ve ever seen.”
Wendell Hissrich: “It’s a very horrific crime scene. It’s one of the worst that I’ve seen.” https://t.co/WRaEWQSTaf pic.twitter.com/XwkzxMJs11
— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 27, 2018
1:20 PM —
In middle of a somber moment at staging area while I was talking to a member of the Jewish community this @guardian reporter started screaming at me that I was an anti-Semite/that I caused shooting because I reports on Trump & to leave and kept screaming in my face to get out pic.twitter.com/t8shcgTR9W
— SalenaZito (@SalenaZito) October 27, 2018
12:58 PM — The NYPD has deployed officers to Jewish centers throughout New York City in response to the shooting.
12:53 PM — White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders issues a statement on the shooting:
Saddened and appalled by the cowardly act of evil committed at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We stand in total solidarity with the victims and all of the Jewish community against bigotry and hate.
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) October 27, 2018
12:28 PM — Before boarding Air Force One, President Trump said the shooting has “little to do” with the country’s gun laws. “If they had some kind of a protection inside the temple maybe it could have been a much different situation,” the president told reporters.
Pres. Trump says gun laws have "little to do" with outcome of shooting at Pittsburgh synagogue: "If they had protection inside, the results would have been far better. This is a dispute that will always exist I suspect." https://t.co/rIc3B3kOwz pic.twitter.com/NFANjPndPg
— ABC News (@ABC) October 27, 2018
“To see this happen again and again, for so many years, it’s just a shame,” President Trump added, before suggesting all mass shooters should be given the death penalty.
12:26 PM — President Trump spoke with Pittsburgh’s mayor and the Gov. of Pennslyvania about the shooting, and will issue another statement on the horrific events later Saturday.
Events in Pittsburgh are far more devastating than originally thought. Spoke with Mayor and Governor to inform them that the Federal Government has been, and will be, with them all the way. I will speak to the media shortly and make further statement at Future Farmers of America.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 27, 2018
12:35 PM — Congregants say the shooting occurred during a circumcision and naming celebration, referred to as a bris, NBC reports.
12:25 PM — Fox News reporting live that there were “multiple shootouts” between the suspect and police inside the synagogue. Thereafter the wounded suspect surrendered. KDKA reporter Ross Guidotti says the shooter was found “with a pistol in his waistband and one strapped to his ankle. Swat operators grabbed the weapons, removed them and made safe.”
12:22 PM — GQ magazine correspondent Julia Ioffe blames the shooting on President Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
And a word to my fellow American Jews: This president makes this possible. Here. Where you live. I hope the embassy move over there, where you don’t live was worth it.
— Julia Ioffe (@juliaioffe) October 27, 2018
11:50 AM — KDKA reports that the attacker walked into the synagogue and allegedly screamed, “All Jews must die.” He struck the synagogue during Shabbat services and the synagogue was “full of people” at the time.
11:46 AM —
Just did a very emotional interview with a man who said his friends were inside the Tree of Life of Synagogue. His father in-law got outside safely pic.twitter.com/WQHVtpM3WQ
— Aaron Martin (@WPXIAaronMartin) October 27, 2018
11:32 AM — Pittsburgh Steelers send thoughts and prayers to those affected by the 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
11:08 AM — President Donald Trump asks Squirrel Hill residents to remain indoors as the active shooting unfolds.
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
11:04 AM — CBS News reports that at least seven people were killed during the armed assault:
At least seven people have been confirmed dead in a Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, and two police officers have been shot. The shooter is confined in the third floor of the synagogue https://t.co/rldHevHSsX pic.twitter.com/ltZqCMjYU6
— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 27, 2018
10:34 AM — KDKA reports that the number of fatalities may rise, as police are still working to get people out of the building.
ALERT: There is an active shooter in the area of WILKINS and Shady. Avoid the area. More info will be released when it is available.
— Pgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) October 27, 2018
The attacker opened fire on police when they responded to first reports of shots fired. Two officers were wounded as a result.
14 News reports that police are urging people who live near the synagogue “to lock their doors and stay in their homes.”
AWR Hawkins is an award-winning Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News, the host of the Breitbart podcast Bullets with AWR Hawkins, and the writer/curator of Down Range with AWR Hawkins, a weekly newsletter focused on all things Second Amendment, also for Breitbart News. He is the political analyst for Armed American Radio. Follow him on Twitter: @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com. Sign up to get Down Range at breitbart.com/downrange.
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