North Carolinians respond to synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh

A Jewish organization in Wake County has joined those responding to the shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday morning.

The Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary and its Jewish Community Relations Council issued a statement offering condolences to the families of those killed and wishing those who were wounded a speedy recovery.

“We commend law enforcement for their reported quick and decisive response, and are disheartened that police officers were shot in the line of duty,” Carin Savel, the federation’s CEO, said in a statement. “Early indication is that this was a hate crime. This is devastating, and is a sad reminder that we have a lot of work to do.”

Authorities say Robert Bowers opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, killing several people and wounding six others including four police officers who dashed to the scene. Bowers was arrested after the attack.

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis was among the North Carolina politicians to react.

“Horrific act of hate and terror committed at the Tree of Life Synagogue,” tweeted Tillis, a Republican. “My heart goes out the victims, congregation, and community reeling from this tragedy. It’s beyond disturbing that anti-Semitism continues to exist and fuel such evil — it has no place in America or anywhere.”

U.S. Rep. David Price, a Democrat, called the news out of Pittsburgh “horrible.”

“ The epidemic of hate-filled violence in our country must be confronted,” Price tweeted. “The time for action to reduce gun violence is long overdue.”

Gov. Roy Cooper also issued a statement.

“Freedom to live and worship without fear is an essential right in America, and the horrific shooting in Pittsburgh strikes at the very heart of our country’s greatness,” Cooper wrote. “Our hearts break for the victims and families who were gathered on Shabbat and for the officers who fell victim to this savage attack. We must fight anti-Semitism and intolerance and stop the hatred and leads to violence.”

This story was originally published October 27, 2018 at 2:25 PM.