October 29,2018:

A heavily-armed white man, spewing anti-Semitic threats, stormed a prominent synagogue and massacred 11 worshippers in US City of Pittsburgh, in what has been termed as deadliest attack on Jews in history of America.

Shooter has been identified as 46-year-old Robert Bowers, armed with an assault rifle and three handguns, surrendered after he was injured during an exchange of fire with Police at 'Tree of Life' Congregation Synagogue at Squirell Hill in Pittsburgh, where a large number of people had gathered for a baby naming ceremony.

Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich stated that 11 people were killed and six others injured including four policemen.

He further added that there were no children among fatalities or injured.

Tree of Life is located in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighbourhood, which is known as the heart of the local Jewish community.

Federal Prosecutors stated that Bowers, whose social media account reflected his hatred against the Jews, was charged with 29 counts of the federal crimes of violence and firearms offenses.

Charges include 11 counts of obstruction of exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death; and 11 counts of use of a firearm to commit murder during a crime of violence.

Bowers frequently wrote on the social network Gab, where he made a specific threat against Jews hours before allegedly conducting Saturday's attack.

FBI is investigating this as a "hate crime". Before opening fire, Bowers had reportedly yelled, "All Jews must die!"

Bowers frequently posted about the "migrant caravan," a group of several thousand refugees walking to the US-Mexico border from Honduras to seek asylum.

Preventing refugees in caravan from entering the US has been a major talking point among both right-wing commentators and President Trump, who has spoken about it in recent pre-midterm election stump speeches.

President Trump ordered that the American flags be flown at half-staff at White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, and all the military bases till October 31 as a mark of "solemn respect" for victims.

Source PTI

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