At least 8 reported dead in shooting at Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH: HundredsAt least four people were killed and 12 shot and three officers injured responding to an active shooting incident at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday, local media reported.

“There are fatalities,” an emergency responder said on local television station KDKA. The conditions of the officers were not immediately known.

A “bearded heavy- set white male” was in custody, KDKA said, adding that responding officers “received fire.” The suspect is in custody, said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, who was at the scene of the shooting according to local media. “We are providing local first responders with whatever help they need,” Wolf said on Twitter.

Earlier, a police commander said the shooting resulted in “multiple casualties.” Police surrounded the Tree of Life synagogue after reports of an active shooter at the building in the city’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, local TV news images showed.

“Do not come out of your home right now, it is not safe,” Pittsburgh police Commander Jason Lando warned local residents, in an impromptu news conference at the scene.

The synagogue was holding a shabbat religious service that started at 9:45 a.m. (1345 GMT), according to the organization’s website. Sam Schachner, president of Tree of Life, said in a phone call he had no comment at this time.

US President Donald Trump said in a tweet he was watching developments in Pittsburgh.