The shooter who targetted the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday was reportedly heard yelling "all Jews must die" before opening fire, according to local media reports.
The shooting has left "multiple casualties", as it is emerging that over four people have died while 12 have been shot at, reports CNN. Three police officers have been shot as well.
The gunman, who is in police custody, burst into the synagogue at 9:30 am (local time) during a 'Shabbat' service and started firing indiscriminately. Local police have taken the shooter to Mercy Hospital, according to Curt Conrad, the Chief of Staff for City Councilman Corey O'Connor.
US President Donald Trump informed the mayor and the governor of his government's support in the wake of the shooting. "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," he tweeted.
US First Lady Melania Trump also reacted to the situation and pushed for an end to violence in a tweet posted in the aftermath of the shooting. "My heart breaks over the news out of #Pittsburgh. The violence needs to stop. May God bless, guide & unite the United States of America."
The Governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, who reached the crime scene, issued a statement condemning the "senseless act of violence". "The shooting in Pittsburgh this morning is an absolute tragedy. I have spoken with local leaders and my administration and the Pennsylvania State Police will provide any resources to assist local law enforcement and first responders," he said.
Wolf further noted, "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", he said while stating, "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."
He also called for unity in the aftermath of the tragedy. "...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," the Governor said.
Police officials have asked people to practice caution and "avoid the area".
The shooting coincides with the International Religious Freedom Day, which celebrates the passage of the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRF Act) that is a part of US foreign policy.
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