Rabbi at Pittsburgh synagogue targeted by anti-Semitic shooter called for gun control ahead of violent attack

Photo gallery by photo services

The rabbi at a Pittsburgh synagogue recently targeted by an anti-Semitic gunman warned violent shootings would become the norm should demands for gun control go unanswered.

Authorities in Pennsylvania confirmed multiple people were killed and several more injured when a gunman opened fire in the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue Saturday morning. A lone suspect exchanged gun fire with responding officers before he surrendered and was taken into custody.

Back in July, Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers penned an essay titled “We Deserve Better” in which he touched on the rapid pace of the news cycle and how it affects public issues.

“Despite continuous calls for sensible gun control and mental health care, our elected leaders in Washington knew that it could fade away at any time. Unless there is a dramatic turnaround in the mid-term elections, I fear that the status quo will remain unchanged and school shootings will resume,” he wrote in July.

“I shouldn’t have to include in my daily morning prayers that God should watch over my wife and daughter, both teachers, and keep them safe. Where are our leaders?”

According to the synagogue’s website, Myers typically leads Saturday services at the house of worship. The weekly service, scheduled to start at 9:45 a.m., was already underway when the shooter burst in — reportedly shouting anti-Semitic slurs — and opened fire.

Shabbat or the Jewish sabbath marks the end of the week and culminates in a day of rest for congregants. It begins at sunset Friday and concludes Saturday night. Services include readings from the Torah and the Haftarah, though the selected passages and customs can vary from congregation to congregation.

The former President of the Pittsburgh synagogue told CBS thee different congregations hold services in three different areas in the building. Its not uncommon for there to be up to 30 inside on a Saturday. There was also a Bris ceremony scheduled to take place.

© Pam Panchak / AP

The Tree of Life Synagogue, located in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood, was founded more than 150 years ago.