At least 11 people killed when gunmen attacked an American synagogue shouting, "All Jews must die"

An armed man killed at least 11 people and wounded six others during an attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue during Sabbath services on Saturday, and a suspect was in custody for a possible hate crime. local authorities and the media reported.

A "bearded, beefy white man" was in custody, KDKA television reported, citing police sources claiming that the gunman had entered the building and shouted, "All Jews must die!"

The officers who responded "received a fire" and three were injured, KDKA said, but it was not clear for now that they were counted among the wounded. Pennsylvania's Governor Tom Wolf, who was on the scene of the shootings according to local media, said in a tweet: "We provide local first responders the help they need."

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said that he treated several patients at the Presbyterian of UPMC.

US President Donald Trump said the shooting had little to do with gun laws and that the killings could have been prevented if there was an armed guard at the gun station. inside the building. "If they had some kind of protection inside the temple, maybe the situation would have been a lot different," Trump said.

"They did not do it and he was able to do things that he unfortunately should not have done," Trump told reporters. He said the United States should toughen its laws on the death penalty. "I think one thing we can do is strengthen our laws with firearms that result in the death penalty," he added. "When people do, they should get the death penalty."

Earlier, a police commander said the shooting had caused "several casualties". Police encircled the Tree of Life synagogue after broadcasting an active shooter in Squirrel Hill's neighborhood building, showed images of local television.

"Do not get out of your house now, it's not safe," warned Pittsburgh police commander Jason Lando at an impromptu press conference.

The synagogue was hosting a Shabbat religious service that began at 9:45 am local time, according to the organization's website. Sam Schachner, president of Tree of Life, said during a phone call that he had no comments to make at that time.

The former synagogue president, Michael Eisenberg, told the KDKA that the police were normally present at the synagogue only for security reasons, during the long vacations.

"One day like today, the door is open, it's a religious service, you can come in and out," he said.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defemation League, described the shootings as anti-Semitic.

At the time of the shooting, three congregations would use the building, Eisenberg said. About 40 people would be present in the Tree of Life congregation, another group meeting for Sabbath services in the basement would count 30 to 40 people and a third meeting of the Jewish congregation for a study session would count about 15 people. A common atrium would be occupied by the crowd, he added.

Most of the faithful were elderly, according to a former rabbi interviewed by local media.

Local television footage showed policemen there with rifles, helmets and other tactical clothing. Paramedics were also stationed near the synagogue, and police vehicles blocked some streets in the neighborhood.

Shortly after the announcement of the shooting, Mr. Trump said in a tweet that he was watching what he described as a "devastating" situation.

Trump told reporters later in the morning that the killings could have been avoided had there been an armed guard in the building.

"If they had some sort of protection inside the temple, maybe the situation would have been a lot different, they did not do it," he said. about a possible connection with US firearms laws.

The Tree of Life synagogue is described on its website as a traditional, progressive and egalitarian conservative congregation. – Reuters