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Robert Bowers named as Pittsburgh shooting suspect who 'believes Donald Trump is controlled by Jews'

Mirror 27/10/2018 Amber Hicks

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The man suspected of 'killing at least eight people' during a prayer service at a US synagogue has been named by US media.

Robert Bowers reportedly burst into the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Pittsburgh carrying multiple weapons before unleashing bullets on terrified worshippers.

Bowers, in his 40s, also reportedly yelled 'all Jews must die' and was shouting antisemitism statements.

He surrendered to police after reportedly exchanging gunfire with officers who had to use their vehicles to protect themselves.

a car parked on the side of a road © Credits: @WPXI_Lori Authorities say he was injured and crawling when he was taken into custody.

The killer had posted an anti-semitic messages on a right-wing social network moments before the attack, according to reports.

Writing on Gab, he allegedly posted: “HIAS (a Jewish organisation that supports refugees) likes to bring invaders in that kill our people. I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I’m going in.”

Around six people have also been injured - including four police officers - in the tragedy which has rocked America.

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Emergency services were first called at around 10am (2pm UK time) following reports of an active shooter.

Worshippers fled in terror when the gunman burst in.

Some took refuge in the synagogue's basement where three people were reportedly shot.

The area has been sealed off and people are being urged to stay away, while residents are being told to not leave their homes.

a group of police officers riding on the back of a truck © Credits: REUTERS Mayor of Pittsburgh, Bill Peduto, said: "Multiple casualties. Three Officers have been shot. Area is NOT secure. All residents required to stay inside their homes until further notice."

The synagogue is currently being checked for explosives that the shooter might have deposited, according to authorities.

Local hospitals are clearing emergency rooms to tend to patients.

President Donald Trump tweeted: "Watching the events unfolding in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement on the scene.

a traffic light sitting on the side of a building: caption: Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting: Gunman opens fire at prayer service

"People in Squirrel Hill area should remain sheltered. Looks like multiple fatalities. Beware of active shooter. God Bless All!"

Witnesses who called 911 said the gunman walked into the synagogue and opened fire.

One person wrote on Twitter : "There was just a man who opened fire in the synagogue down the street from my job. We’ve seen 15+ police cars drive by."

The Pittsburgh Public Safety Department said in a tweet earlier: “There is an active shooter in the area of WILKINS and Shady.

“Avoid the area. More info will be released when it is available.”

The FBI and SWAT teams are also at the scene.

Carnegie Mellon University, which is nearby, was put on lockdown in the aftermath, with students said to have received text messages telling them to stay inside.

a group of people walking down the street

“Do not come out of your home right now, it is not safe,” Pittsburgh police Commander Jason Lando warned local residents, in an impromptu news conference at the scene.

Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said: “We are devastated.

"Jews targeted on Shabbat morning at synagogue, a holy place of worship, is unconscionable. Our hearts break for the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community."

The Tree of Life Congregation was founded more than 150 years ago.

Video: Shooting had little to do with gun laws: Trump (Reuters)

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It describes itself on its website as "a conservative Jewish congregation" which "remains true to traditional teachings, yet is also progressive and relevant to the way we live today."

This afternoon, Trump has denied that American gun laws are to blame for the atrocity.

Asked whether laws should be revisited in the light of the attack, he replied: “This has little to do with it, if they had protection inside the temple maybe it could have been a different situation.

“He was able to do things that he shouldn’t have been able to do.

“Numerous police were injured.”

a group of police officers riding on the back of a truck

And he continued: “When people do things like this they should get the death penalty.”

Pennsylvania’s governor has described the attack as a “senseless act of violence”.

In a series of tweets, Tom Wolf said: “This is an absolute tragedy. 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.”

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