The attack is being termed as the ‘deadliest’ anti-semitic attack in America in years
The 46-year-old shooter named Robert Bowers, a white heavily-bearded man, who got injured during an exchange of fire with the cops, surrender to the police. As per reports, Bowers was armed with an AR-15 style rifle in addition to multiple handguns.
As per reports the, before opening fire, the man reportedly yelled ‘ all Jews must die’.
A large number of people had gathered at the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue at Squirrel Hill area in Pittsburgh for a baby naming ceremony when the shooting took place.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is probing the incident as a hate crime, with the accused being treated and questioned at hospital.
There were reportedly no children among fatalities or injured.
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Bob Jones said the investigation was in its early stages and there was no knowledge if the shooter was known to the law enforcement till this date.
"Gunman targeted (people) because of their faith. At this time, we believe that he was acting alone," he said.
US President Donald Trump whose daughter Ivanka Trump is married to Jew Jarred Kushner, strongly condemned the attack as “pure evil.” He said the nation and the world are shocked by the unimaginable incident.
Trump also ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of "solemn respect" for the victims at the White House, public grounds, military posts, naval stations and ships
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "I was heartbroken and appalled by the murderous attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue today".
In his multiple social media accounts, Bowers showed his anti-Jew sentiment in particular vented his anger against Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society or HIAS.