Attack on Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh leaves 4 dead

News Desk

UPDATE: Eight people are reportedly dead and more wounded after a gunman opened fire at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday.

Local CBS affiliate KDKA reports that two police officers were wounded after exchanging fire with the gunman. The officers’ medical status was not immediately clear.

Pittsburgh City Councilman Corey O’Connor warned residents on Twitter to stay out of the area of Squirrel Hill, where officers were attempting to respond to the situation.

“ALERT: there is an active shooter near the Tree of Life in Squirrel Hill. Residents, please stay indoors. Our officers are on the scene. I will provide more updates once they are available,” O’Connor tweeted.

President Donald Trump tweeted that he was monitoring the situation and urged residents in Squirrel Hill to remain sheltered in place. 

KDKA reported that a white male suspect had surrendered. It wasn’t immediately clear if the shooter acted alone or if others were involved.

Police had rushed to the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue, where attendees had gathered for a Saturday service.

KDKA reported that police received calls from individuals barricaded inside the building.

CNN also reported that investigators were looking at a suspicious package on the first floor of the religious center.

Nearby Carnegie Mellon University directed students to avoid the area, citing the police action.

“From Carnegie Mellon University Police Department: A police operation is occurring at the corner of Shady & Wilkins Avenue. Please avoid area until further notice,” the university tweeted.

At least four people were killed in a shooting on Saturday at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, according to local reports. The death toll is expected to rise as police say the scene is still active.

Police officers were responding to the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in the city. There were reports of multiple victims, and police were warning residents to stay away from the area.

The synagogue is located at the corner of Wilkins and Shady Avenues in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood.

“There is an active shooter in the area of WILKINS and Shady,” the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department wrote in a tweet Saturday. “Avoid the area. More info will be released when it is available.”

BNO News, a media organization based in the Netherlands, reported that witnesses called 911 after a gunman opened fire in the synagogue. The organization also reported that there were multiple victims.

The gunman is said to have engaged in a shootout with responding officers.

On Saturdays, the Jewish day of the Sabbath, synagogues hold religious services for congregants and visitors.