Statement on the Horrific Attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue

October 27, 2018

We are shocked by the heinous attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill. There are no words to fully convey our horror and sadness at the murder of Jewish people who were worshipping with their community on Shabbat. This is a nightmare for Jewish people across the United States and around the world, and for our country.

Our thoughts are with all of the victims and their families, and with the courageous law enforcement officers who rushed to the scene and subdued the shooter. According to the most recent reports, at least eight people have been killed and others wounded. Three officers were reportedly wounded in the line of duty.

In the coming days, we will do all we can to provide support to the Jewish community of Pittsburgh as they grieve, and to stand together with the Jewish communities across the country in responding to this tragedy.

The shooter reportedly declared his desire to kill Jews when he was apprehended. This was a savage hate crime and an act of terror.

This moment calls for responsible leadership. We must all join together in condemning the rising tide of white nationalism, racism and hatred directed at Jewish people and other vulnerable minorities in our country. And we must call for an end to the extreme rhetoric, laced with bigotry and racism, that is dominating our national discourse and breeding violence.