Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Victims of synagogue shooting ranged in age from 54 to 97

The man suspected of the killings was earlier charged with murder.

LAST UPDATE | 28 Oct 2018

Shooting Synagogue Rosie Villano & Chai Smith hold candles during an interfaith vigil outside of Sixth Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh. Alexandra Wimley / AP/Press Association Images Alexandra Wimley / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images

ALL ELEVEN VICTIMS of the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh have been identified and their families notified, authorities said today.

“After difficult work by the medical examiner’s office, all 11 victims were positively identified and next of kin notifications took place,” Robert Jones, the FBI agent in charge of the investigation, said at an early-morning press briefing.

They ranged in age from 54 to 97, said Karl Williams, the county medical examiner.

They included two brothers and one married couple.

The man suspected of the killings was earlier charged with murder. 

Robert Bowers (46) is now in custody in hospital.

It’s understood that he shouted anti-Semitic slurs before he opened fire at a baby-naming ceremony at the Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighbourhood.

Three police officers were also shot in the incident. 

The Pennsylvania attorney general said the gunman “claimed innocent lives” at the family event. 

Bowers will now face federal charges that carry the death penalty, according to the US Justice Department.

“Hatred and violence on the basis of religion can have no place in our society,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. 

“These alleged crimes are reprehensible and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation. Accordingly, the Department of Justice will file hate crimes and other criminal charges against the defendant, including charges that could lead to the death penalty.”

Saturday morning would traditionally be the busiest time of the week at a synagogue as it is the Jewish Sabbath.

US President Donald Trump condemned yesterday’s attack as “an assault on humanity,” and called on Americans to “unite to conquer hate.”

In a pair of tweets, Trump said: 

“All of America is in mourning over the mass murder of Jewish Americans at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We pray for those who perished and their loved ones, and our hearts go out to the brave police officers who sustained serious injuries.

This evil Anti-Semitic attack is an assault on humanity. It will take all of us working together to extract the poison of Anti-Semitism from our world. We must unite to conquer hate.

- Reporting by AFP and Associated Press  

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
20 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ross
    Favourite Ross
    Report
    Nov 18th 2024, 3:36 PM

    Complete waste of time, money and resources. Straight into the bin.

    The more I see someones phoney smile on a glossy piece of paper the less likely they are to get a vote from me.

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Hunt
    Favourite Brian Hunt
    Report
    Nov 18th 2024, 4:21 PM

    I’m sure the voters of Cork and Galway will be livid at not getting their circulars!

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom
    Favourite Tom
    Report
    Nov 18th 2024, 3:39 PM

    Who cares, same umadans will will get into government again.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Mc Carthy
    Favourite Frank Mc Carthy
    Report
    Nov 18th 2024, 3:44 PM

    @Tom: I used to hate that kind of apathy/ nonchalance—- this particular election I GET it!!!! My constituency is a ’3′seater…. it’ll be 2FF & the 1FG, same as it was in my Father’s time

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brendan O'Brien
    Favourite Brendan O'Brien
    Report
    Nov 18th 2024, 3:47 PM

    @Frank Mc Carthy: Yet you have profiles on this site ‘supporting’ FG (Tired Jim) and FF (Fintan Pox).

    22
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Mc Carthy
    Favourite Frank Mc Carthy
    Report
    Nov 18th 2024, 3:53 PM

    @Brendan O’Brien: with respect troll & ALL your accounts I’ve zero idea who’ll be getting my #1, #2 or #3 on the piece of paper 29th Nov!!!! Again, with respect, that’s a very invasive question…. I ‘push’ everyone to use their vote but what happens in the ballot box is like confession

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevvy kerrr
    Favourite Kevvy kerrr
    Report
    Nov 18th 2024, 3:56 PM

    @Brendan O’Brien: hey brenny, hard at the ol’ trolling I see ….. You are aware no matter how many accounts you spread your bile on here with …. You ARE only entitled to vote the once????????

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Mc Carthy
    Favourite Frank Mc Carthy
    Report
    Nov 18th 2024, 4:02 PM

    @Brendan O’Brien: genuine question brenny…that film “SPLIT” ?? An autobiography??,?

    4
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds