A shooting on Saturday morning at a Pittsburgh synagogue left multiple people dead and several more injured, according to reports. Local religious officials, politicians and law enforcement in Ohio responded with condolences and an outcry of support for the victims.
Rabbi Joshua Caruso from the Fairmount Temple in Beachwood tells News 5 he is increasing security.
“Just in case there is anyone that is inspired by, God forbid, the acts that happened in Pittsburgh," he said.
Caruso said the temple always has an officer patrolling the area, but he is requesting more than one during times of worship.
He said he was both angry and confused when he heard the news, but said antisemitism is nothing new in the U.S.
“We also want to equip our children and our whole congregation with the knowledge that when they walk outside of our synagogue doors, they need to know that there is hate, and their is anger and there is abuse out there," he said.
RELATED: Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: Shooter identified, multiple casualties
Rabbi Jonathan Cohen from Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood released the following statement:
As some of you may know, at 10:00 a.m. today an active shooter situation unfolded at a Conservative Temple in Pittsburgh, the Tree of Life Synagogue. Initial reports indicate that a gunman entered the building and opened fire during a Shabbat morning service. We pray for the victims of this horrific and heinous attack, and send comfort, strength, and healing of those whose lives will forever be affected by it.
Please know that the Temple has been in touch with our local law enforcement authorities and our partners in the Jewish community, that our security personnel have been properly briefed, and that we are in the process of taking additional security measures as a consequence of this event. At this time, there are no indications that our Temple community is under increased threat or risk. Our activities will proceed according to plan. We must and will continue to pray, learn, and celebrate Jewish life. We thank you for your support and understanding and will continue to update you on this unfolding situation and its implications.
Law enforcement officials in Beachwood, Cleveland Heights and University Heights said they have increased patrols at the various synagogues in the area as a precaution.
Cleveland Heights, city with vibrant Jewish community, increasing police patrols around synagogues and other facilities after today’s shooting in #Pittsburg
— Homa Bash (@HomaBashWEWS) October 27, 2018
In response to the tragedy this morning in Pittsburgh, the University Heights Police Department is coordinating security efforts with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.
— University Heights (@UH_cityhall) October 27, 2018
Bishop Nelson J. Perez of the Catholic Dioceses of Cleveland said he was "deeply saddened that the violence that plagues our world today has invaded sacred places of worship. As people of faith, we condemn the evil of violence and pray for the gift of peace."
Perez called for Northeast Ohio residents to come together in prayer for the victims of the shooting and for law enforcement and first responders in Pittsburgh.
"May our witness of prayer and solidarity bring some sense of solace to their lives and may the God of all love and compassion provide consolation and healing in the wake of this tragedy," Perez said.
Senator Sherrod Brown released the following statement on Saturday afternoon:
“Devastating news this morning. Our hearts break for everyone involved and we are grateful to the first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. No one should have to fear for their lives in their place of worship. We stand with the Jewish community and all of Pittsburgh today. We will not tolerate hate and violence against our neighbors.”
Congresswoman Marcia Fudge called for gun reform after Saturday's shooting. She released the statement below:
“More than ever, we must address meaningful weapons reform. Citizens should not have access to fire power that injures and kills large groups of people with ease. We must close the gun show loopholes, require universal background checks and ban assault weapons, bump stocks and high capacity magazines for civilian use. This pervasive violence is hurting our communities. It is crippling us at our core. It must stop."
“I remain prayerful for the families of Tree of Life Synagogue, first responders, law enforcement, the entire Squirrel Hill community and City of Pittsburgh.”
A spokesperson for the Maltz Museum of Jewish History said they were deeply saddened by the shooting. They released the statement below:
The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage is deeply saddened by yesterday’s tragic shooting in Pittsburgh. As the ADL reported, the murder of 11 people at Tree of Life Synagogue is believed to be the deadliest attack on Jews in American history. This horrific act is a reminder of why our museum exists, to build bridges and create cultural compassion. Our doors are open and we encourage everyone to join us here and work to stop the hate. We must never stop working to build the kind of inclusive society in which all people of all faiths and backgrounds are valued and respected. Our thoughts and prayers are with the community of Pittsburgh and the families of the victims. May their memories be for a blessing.
RELATED: Just 3 months ago, the synagogue's rabbi lamented gun violence and failure of lawmakers to tackle it
