Mass. pols decry ‘horrific act of evil’
‘Hate has no place in a place of worship’
Bay State leaders called the shooting that killed at least 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue yesterday a tragedy, saying the country needs to come together and fight back against violence and hate. Law enforcement officials say Robert Bowers opened fire yesterday on the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. At least 11 people were killed and six others were wounded, including four police officers. It is being viewed as a federal hate crime. “It is a terrible tragedy,” Gov. Charlie Baker told the Herald. “I’m glad that they have somebody in custody. I hope that when the investigation is complete they prosecute that individual to the full extent of the law.” “My heart goes out to the families of those killed today in Pittsburgh, & to the brave officers who risked their lives to protect others,” U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren tweeted. “The attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue was a horrific act of evil. We must recognize this hatred for what it is, & come together to fight it.” U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III tweeted, “Heartbroken for Tree of Life Congregation and Pittsburgh. Praying for the recovery of those injured, the Jewish community, and for a country where this violence ends.” “To the Tree of Life Synagogue, first responders, and the people of Pittsburgh, we stand with you and hold you in our hearts,” said U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark. “As we wait to learn more about yet another horrific attack on a place of worship, we know this: we are not powerless to stop these acts of gun violence and bigotry. But it will take people of good will standing together in the face of this evil.” U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey tweeted: “My heart breaks for the officers and victims of the horrific shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Every person of faith should denounce this anti-Semitic attack and pray for these families. Hate has no place in a place of worship. And neither does an AR-15 rifle.” State Rep. Geoff Diehl, the Republican challenger to Warren, said this act of violence should be something everyone “detests.” “I’m hoping that the violent rhetoric that seems to be escalating in our country can be halted, because this is the result,” Diehl said.