11 Dead, 6 Wounded in Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting

11 Dead, 6 Wounded in Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting

A gunman entered a Pittsburgh synagogue during Saturday services, killing 11 worship attendees and wounding six other people, including four police officers, before he was taken into custody

A gunman entered a Pittsburgh synagogue during Saturday services, killing 11 worship attendees and wounding six other people, including four police officers, before he was taken into custody. Among other charges, federal hate crime charges have been filed against the suspect in what is believed to have been an anti-Semitic act.

At the time of the attack Saturday morning, the weekly Shabbat services were getting underway at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s predominantly Jewish Squirrel Hill neighborhood. The gunman, armed with an assault rifle and three handguns, entered the synagogue at about 9:50 a.m. and opened fire. He reportedly made multiple anti-Semitic comments during his attack.

The first 911 call came from someone inside the building about 4 minutes after the gunman began attacking, and 10 minutes after the attack began, at 10 a.m., the first responding police officers arrived. The two officers encountered the suspect and they exchanged fire. The suspect reentered the synagogue and more officers, including a SWAT team, began to arrive.

The SWAT team entered the building at 10:29 a.m. and encountered the gunman almost 20 minutes later. The suspect opened fire on them until he was cornered, convinced to surrender, and taken into custody.

Three police officers were shot and one was injured by shrapnel, according to authorities. Two of the six people injured were listed as being in critical condition.

The FBI is leading the investigation. FBI Special Agent Bob Jones, director of the FBI’s Pittsburgh office, said, “This is the most horrific crime scene I’ve seen in 22 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

The Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Council for Public Affairs described it as the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in U.S. history.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.