The gunman who stormed a synagogue in Pittsburgh's Jewish community and killed 11 worshippers has been sentenced to death on Wednesday (August 2).&nbsp;The gunman, identified as Robert Bowers, was accused of perpetrating the deadliest anti-semitic attack in US history and was convicted of 63 counts, including 11 counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death.&nbsp;Several were injured.

The jury found him guilty of dozens of federal hate crimes in the trial held at the U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania in June. During the first phase of the sentencing portion of the trial which was around two weeks ago, the jury found Bowers to be eligible for the death penalty. He was found guilty on all counts on June 16.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-arrests-muslim-preacher-on-charges-including-blasphemy-and-hate-speech-621782">Indonesia arrests Muslim preacher on charges including blasphemy and hate speech</a>&nbsp;

His defence lawyers argued that he suffered from life-long mental illness and was delusional. However, they did not dispute that he planned and carried out the attack.&nbsp;

The 12-member federal jury unanimously ruled that the 50-year-old Bowers should be executed for the October 27 mass shooting, US-based media reports published the details of the ruling.&nbsp;

According to media outlets, a defence attorney for the shooter said there is no justification for the attack. The attorney, however, urged the jury to "consider mercy" and give him jail time for life.&nbsp;

Defence attorney Judy Clarke, quoted by reports, said on Monday: "We can't rewind the clock and make it such that this senseless crime never happened. All we can really do is make the right decision going forward. And we are asking you to make the right decision, and that is life."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump's third indictment in four months&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trumps-third-indictment-in-four-months-621776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-operation-shield-at-least-nine-killed-in-new-clash-between-police-and-gangs-621780">Brazil's Operation Shield: At least nine killed in new clash between police and gangs</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Heartbreaking&nbsp;testimonies&nbsp;</h2>

As quoted by CNN, survivor Andrea Wedner, who suffered a major injury in her arm from the gunfire, said that her life will never be the same again.&nbsp;

A dental hygienist by profession, Wedner said she has shrapnel throughout her body, in her face, chest and hand, besides the damage to her arm. In her testimony, she said she experiences numbness, weakness, and tingling in her hands.&nbsp;

Another survivor Dan Leger also testified about his excruciating pain during the recovery, which according to him was "awful". The CNN report mentioned that he said that his bladder was "blown out" and he needed a colostomy bag to survive. It was nearly impossible to eat as there was massive swelling all over the body.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The gunman who stormed a synagogue in Pittsburgh's Jewish community and killed 11 worshippers has been sentenced to death on Wednesday (August 2). The gunman, identified as Robert Bowers, was accused of perpetrating the deadliest anti-semitic attack in US history and was convicted of 63 counts, including 11 counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death.

The gunman who stormed a synagogue in Pittsburgh's Jewish community and killed 11 worshippers has been sentenced to death on Wednesday (August 2). The gunman, identified as Robert Bowers, was accused of perpetrating the deadliest anti-semitic attack in US history and was convicted of 63 counts, including 11 counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death. Several were injured. The jury found him guilty of dozens of federal hate crimes in the trial held at the U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania in June. During the first phase of the sentencing portion of the trial which was around two weeks ago, the jury found Bowers to be eligible for the death penalty. He was found guilty on all counts on June 16. Also read: Indonesia arrests Muslim preacher on charges including blasphemy and hate speech His defence lawyers argued that he suffered from life-long mental illness and was delusional. However, they did not dispute that he planned and carried out the attack. The 12-member federal jury unanimously ruled that the 50-year-old Bowers should be executed for the October 27 mass shooting, US-based media reports published the details of the ruling. According to media outlets, a defence attorney for the shooter said there is no justification for the attack. The attorney, however, urged the jury to "consider mercy" and give him jail time for life. Defence attorney Judy Clarke, quoted by reports, said on Monday: "We can't rewind the clock and make it such that this senseless crime never happened. All we can really do is make the right decision going forward. And we are asking you to make the right decision, and that is life." Watch: Donald Trump's third indictment in four months × Also read: Brazil's Operation Shield: At least nine killed in new clash between police and gangs Heartbreaking testimonies As quoted by CNN, survivor Andrea Wedner, who suffered a major injury in her arm from the gunfire, said that her life will never be the same again. A dental hygienist by profession, Wedner said she has shrapnel throughout her body, in her face, chest and hand, besides the damage to her arm. In her testimony, she said she experiences numbness, weakness, and tingling in her hands. Another survivor Dan Leger also testified about his excruciating pain during the recovery, which according to him was "awful". The CNN report mentioned that he said that his bladder was "blown out" and he needed a colostomy bag to survive. It was nearly impossible to eat as there was massive swelling all over the body. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooter gets death sentence for killing 11 worshippers

Five years after 11 worshippers at a Synagogue in Pennsylvania's Pittsburgh were shot down in a rampaging shooting incident, a federal jury on Thursday (July 13) decided that the shooter Robert Bowers was eligible for the death penalty.&nbsp;

The jury's decision has paved the path of a grueling sentencing phase to a months-long trial over the deadliest attack on Jewish people in the history of the United States at a synagogue in 2018.

<h2>Pittsburgh synagogue attack: What happened?</h2>

On October 27, 2018, Robert Bowers, 46, began shooting down at the Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha Congregation synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighbourhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pittsburgh-synagogue-assailant-convicted-in-deadliest-antisemitic-attack-in-us-history-605328">Pittsburgh synagogue assailant convicted in deadliest antisemitic attack in US history</a> 
 
He killed 11 people and wounded six, including several Holocaust survivors.

<h2>Why has Robert Bowers been deemed eligible for the death penalty?</h2>

The jury came to the conclusion that Bowers executed the shooting act intentionally and was in a clear mental state.&nbsp;

Bowers, 50, had already been found guilty of the fatal shooting last month, and faces the death penalty or life in prison.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: Gunman kills 11 people; identified as 46 year old

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-gunman-kills-11-people-identified-as-46-year-old-173936/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Bowers was found guilty on 63 felony charges, 22 of which carry the death penalty, including obstruction to the free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death.

He and his lawyers never argued for his innocence, Jerusalem Post reported.&nbsp;

They, however, pleaded with the jury to spare his life because his actions were not intended to prevent worship, since they said he suffered from multiple mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and epilepsy.&nbsp;

<h2>Bowers went ‘to hunt down and kill every Jew he could find’: Prosecutor</h2>

Prosecutor Soo Song, an active seekers of death penalty for&nbsp;Bowers, claimed in her closing arguments on Wednesday that Bowers "intended to hunt down and kill every Jew he could find," claiming Bowers was level-headed and not influenced by any delusions when he carried out the shooting.

Song also called the attack "pre-planned and premeditated," saying Bowers boasted of his committing "the worst antisemitic attack in US history."

<h2>Pittsburgh synagogue shooting incident: What next?</h2>

In the United States, a unanimous vote by jurors in a separate penalty phase of the trial is required in order to sentence a defendant to death, and the judge cannot reject the jury's vote.&nbsp;

In case the jurors are unable to reach a unanimous decision, the guilty is instead sentenced to life in prison. Bowers will be sentenced to death only if the jury unanimously agrees for it in the separate penalty phase of the trial.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Five years after 11 worshippers at a Synagogue in Pennsylvania's Pittsburgh were shot down in a rampaging shooting incident, a federal jury on Thursday (July 13) decided that the shooter Robert Bowers was eligible for the death penalty.

Five years after 11 worshippers at a Synagogue in Pennsylvania's Pittsburgh were shot down in a rampaging shooting incident, a federal jury on Thursday (July 13) decided that the shooter Robert Bowers was eligible for the death penalty. The jury's decision has paved the path of a grueling sentencing phase to a months-long trial over the deadliest attack on Jewish people in the history of the United States at a synagogue in 2018. Pittsburgh synagogue attack: What happened? On October 27, 2018, Robert Bowers, 46, began shooting down at the Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha Congregation synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighbourhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Also read | Pittsburgh synagogue assailant convicted in deadliest antisemitic attack in US history He killed 11 people and wounded six, including several Holocaust survivors. Why has Robert Bowers been deemed eligible for the death penalty? The jury came to the conclusion that Bowers executed the shooting act intentionally and was in a clear mental state. Bowers, 50, had already been found guilty of the fatal shooting last month, and faces the death penalty or life in prison. Also watch | Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: Gunman kills 11 people; identified as 46 year old × Bowers was found guilty on 63 felony charges, 22 of which carry the death penalty, including obstruction to the free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death. He and his lawyers never argued for his innocence, Jerusalem Post reported. They, however, pleaded with the jury to spare his life because his actions were not intended to prevent worship, since they said he suffered from multiple mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and epilepsy. Bowers went ‘to hunt down and kill every Jew he could find’: Prosecutor Prosecutor Soo Song, an active seekers of death penalty for Bowers, claimed in her closing arguments on Wednesday that Bowers "intended to hunt down and kill every Jew he could find," claiming Bowers was level-headed and not influenced by any delusions when he carried out the shooting. Song also called the attack "pre-planned and premeditated," saying Bowers boasted of his committing "the worst antisemitic attack in US history." Pittsburgh synagogue shooting incident: What next? In the United States, a unanimous vote by jurors in a separate penalty phase of the trial is required in order to sentence a defendant to death, and the judge cannot reject the jury's vote. In case the jurors are unable to reach a unanimous decision, the guilty is instead sentenced to life in prison. Bowers will be sentenced to death only if the jury unanimously agrees for it in the separate penalty phase of the trial. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pittsburgh shooter, who wanted to 'kill every Jew he could find', eligible for death penalty

A 50-year-old man accused of killing 11 worshippers at a synagogue in Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018, could face the death penalty if found guilty in a federal trial that opened on Tuesday (May 30).

A 50-year-old man accused of killing 11 worshippers at a synagogue in Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018, could face the death penalty if found guilty in a federal trial that opened on Tuesday (May 30). According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Robert Bowers is on trial on dozens of federal charges, including 11 counts of hate crimes resulting in death, over the mass shooting that unfolded at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue. He pleaded not guilty. On Tuesday, federal prosecutors and Bowers' lawyers were scheduled to deliver opening statements to jurors. The trial at the US District Court in western Pennsylvania is expected to take weeks to complete. What happened on October 27? On October 27, 2018, Bowers moved methodically through the synagogue, shooting everyone he could find, killing 11 worshippers and seven others in the deadliest antisemitic attack in the history of the United States. The police shot him three times before he surrendered. On Tuesday, his lead lawyer Judy Clarke said Bowers “shot every person he saw”, but questioned whether the 50-year-old acted out of hatred, as prosecutors contend, or an irrational belief that he needed to kill Jews to save others from the genocide he claimed they were enabling by helping immigrants come to the US. “He had what to us is this unthinkable, nonsensical, irrational thought: that by killing Jews, he would attain his goal,” Clarke said, the news agency Associated Press reported. "There is no making sense of this senseless act Mr Bowers caused extraordinary harm to many, many people," she added. In court filings, his lawyers have repeatedly tried to get the court to strike the death penalty as a sentencing option, calling it unconstitutional because he suffers from major mental illness, including schizophrenia. The prosecutors, meanwhile, said on Tuesday that the attacker made incriminating statements to investigators and left an online trail of antisemitic statements that they say shows the attack was motivated by religious hatred. Bowers harboured deep animosity towards Jewish people: Prosecutors In a court filing earlier this year, prosecutors said Bowers “harboured deep, murderous animosity towards all Jewish people.” He also hated the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS)- a non-profit humanitarian group that helps refugees and asylum seekers. The prosecutors said Bowers had nearly 400 followers on his Gab social media account “to whom he promoted his antisemitic views and calls for violence against Jews.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: Attacker could face death penalty in trial

US prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a Pennsylvania man accused of bursting into a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pledges-love-and-support-to-pittsburgh-synagogue-victims-on-hannukah-181181">Pittsburgh synagogue last year</a> with a semi-automatic rifle and shooting 11 people to death, according to court papers filed on Monday.

Robert Bowers, 46, shouted "all Jews must die" as he fired on congregants gathered for Sabbath services at the Tree of Life synagogue on October 27, authorities said.

Bowers, who is from a Pittsburgh suburb, has pleaded not guilty in US District Court in Pittsburgh to a 63-count indictment and is awaiting trial though a trial date has not been set. The charges include using a firearm to commit murder and obstruction of free exercise of religious belief resulting in death, the court filing said.

"Robert Bowers expressed hatred and contempt toward members of the Jewish faith and his animus toward members of the Jewish faith played a role in the killings," prosecutors said.

The massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue was the deadliest attack ever on Jewish Americans in the United States.

The synagogue is a fixture in Pittsburgh's historically Jewish neighbourhood of Squirrel Hill, which is home to one of the largest and oldest Jewish populations in the United States.

Bowers targeted that location "to maximize the devastation, amplify the harm of his crimes and instil fear within the local, national and international Jewish communities," prosecutors said in court papers.

An attorney for Bowers, death penalty specialist Judy Clarke, did not return calls or an email seeking comment.

'Drawn out and difficult'

The Tree of Life synagogue hosted multiple Jewish congregations and, according to the New York Times, some people who worshipped there have opposed the possibility of the death penalty for Bowers.

According to the newspaper, Rabbi Jonathan Perlman of New Light Congregation, which met at Tree of Life, said in a letter to US Attorney General William Barr that "a drawn-out and difficult death penalty trial would be a disaster with witnesses and attorneys dredging up horrifying drama and giving this killer the media attention he does not deserve."

Perlman did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

Among those killed were a 97-year-old woman and a married couple in their 80s. Two civilians and five police officers were wounded before the gunman, who was armed with an assault-style rifle and three handguns, was shot by police at the synagogue and surrendered. He has been held in jail since then.

The mass shooting followed a rise in the number of hate crimes and the number of hate groups in the United States, according to separate reports from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

US prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a Pennsylvania man accused of bursting into a Pittsburgh synagogue last year with a semi-automatic rifle and shooting 11 people to death, according to court papers filed on Monday.

US prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a Pennsylvania man accused of bursting into a Pittsburgh synagogue last year with a semi-automatic rifle and shooting 11 people to death, according to court papers filed on Monday. Robert Bowers, 46, shouted "all Jews must die" as he fired on congregants gathered for Sabbath services at the Tree of Life synagogue on October 27, authorities said. Bowers, who is from a Pittsburgh suburb, has pleaded not guilty in US District Court in Pittsburgh to a 63-count indictment and is awaiting trial though a trial date has not been set. The charges include using a firearm to commit murder and obstruction of free exercise of religious belief resulting in death, the court filing said. "Robert Bowers expressed hatred and contempt toward members of the Jewish faith and his animus toward members of the Jewish faith played a role in the killings," prosecutors said. The massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue was the deadliest attack ever on Jewish Americans in the United States. The synagogue is a fixture in Pittsburgh's historically Jewish neighbourhood of Squirrel Hill, which is home to one of the largest and oldest Jewish populations in the United States. Bowers targeted that location "to maximize the devastation, amplify the harm of his crimes and instil fear within the local, national and international Jewish communities," prosecutors said in court papers. An attorney for Bowers, death penalty specialist Judy Clarke, did not return calls or an email seeking comment. 'Drawn out and difficult' The Tree of Life synagogue hosted multiple Jewish congregations and, according to the New York Times, some people who worshipped there have opposed the possibility of the death penalty for Bowers. According to the newspaper, Rabbi Jonathan Perlman of New Light Congregation, which met at Tree of Life, said in a letter to US Attorney General William Barr that "a drawn-out and difficult death penalty trial would be a disaster with witnesses and attorneys dredging up horrifying drama and giving this killer the media attention he does not deserve." Perlman did not immediately return an email seeking comment. Among those killed were a 97-year-old woman and a married couple in their 80s. Two civilians and five police officers were wounded before the gunman, who was armed with an assault-style rifle and three handguns, was shot by police at the synagogue and surrendered. He has been held in jail since then. The mass shooting followed a rise in the number of hate crimes and the number of hate groups in the United States, according to separate reports from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

US to seek death penalty for accused Pittsburgh synagogue shooter

Around 1,500 people took to the streets of Pittsburgh Tuesday to demonstrate peacefully in song against a visit by US President Donald Trump and to mourn <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-synagogue-suffers-20-minutes-of-terror-173916">11 Jewish worshipers killed in a synagogue</a>.

The crowd of all ages and faiths, including many young families, children and the elderly, marched for six blocks holding signs that read "President Hate, Leave Our State!" and "Trump's Lies Kill."

They marched through leafy Squirrel Hill, the tolerant and diverse neighbourhood that has been a beating heart of Pittsburgh's Jewish community, home to the synagogue where Saturday's carnage took place.

Trump flew into the city with wife Melania to pay his respects at the Tree of Life synagogue, but many in the largely Democratic city say his rhetoric and vitriolic tweets have fanned white supremacy and are fueling a spike in anti-Semitism across the United States.

The rally began with an organizer reading aloud from an open letter written by a group of Pittsburgh Jewish leaders to Trump, telling him he bears responsibility for the shooting and asking him not to come.

"President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully renounce white nationalism," she read.

The crowd broke into soft a-capella song, which they continued as they marched through the neighbourhood, watched by residents and shop workers who poured out of their homes and businesses in solidarity.

"I just think it's important to show solidarity in this time of unimaginable tragedy," said Patricia Calderone, 62, a retiree and a photographer, who made a "Trump's Lies Kill" sign.

The Steel City is "stronger than the hate," she said. "It's a very diverse city, it's a small city but people are close, people are united and we're not going to let this happen here and hurt us."

'Nazi sympathizer' 
"I can't know what the president is thinking and I cannot know his motivations, but I can know his words," said Gabriel McMorland, 36, who used to live in Squirrel Hill.

"They line up so closely with the words of white nationalist terrorists and racist right-wing conspiracy theories," he added.

"What he's saying are the kinds of thing that a Nazi sympathizer would say and I don't think I'm exaggerating at all to say that."

Toward the end, a short prayer was said in Hebrew, the protesters held their arms up to the sky and tore a piece of black paper in ritual, before observing a moment of silence punctuated only by birdsong.

As they marched on, past a fire station and standing police officers, they applauded loudly and chanted "thank you" in tribute to the first responders who were called out to the massacre on Saturday.

Many in the crowd were too emotional to speak to the press. The organization was disciplined and determinedly peaceful.&nbsp;

A police officer at the scene confirmed there had been no incidents even as the president was in the area mourning the victims.

"I think it's more divisive than uniting," librarian Nonie Heystek, 57, said of Trump's arrival.

Friends of friends were among those killed, she said. "Pittsburgh is a very small place and there's really only two degrees of separation, especially in this neighbourhood."

Around 1,500 people took to the streets of Pittsburgh Tuesday to demonstrate peacefully in song against a visit by US President Donald Trump and to mourn 11 Jewish worshipers killed in a synagogue.

Around 1,500 people took to the streets of Pittsburgh Tuesday to demonstrate peacefully in song against a visit by US President Donald Trump and to mourn 11 Jewish worshipers killed in a synagogue. The crowd of all ages and faiths, including many young families, children and the elderly, marched for six blocks holding signs that read "President Hate, Leave Our State!" and "Trump's Lies Kill." They marched through leafy Squirrel Hill, the tolerant and diverse neighbourhood that has been a beating heart of Pittsburgh's Jewish community, home to the synagogue where Saturday's carnage took place. Trump flew into the city with wife Melania to pay his respects at the Tree of Life synagogue, but many in the largely Democratic city say his rhetoric and vitriolic tweets have fanned white supremacy and are fueling a spike in anti-Semitism across the United States. The rally began with an organizer reading aloud from an open letter written by a group of Pittsburgh Jewish leaders to Trump, telling him he bears responsibility for the shooting and asking him not to come. "President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully renounce white nationalism," she read. The crowd broke into soft a-capella song, which they continued as they marched through the neighbourhood, watched by residents and shop workers who poured out of their homes and businesses in solidarity. "I just think it's important to show solidarity in this time of unimaginable tragedy," said Patricia Calderone, 62, a retiree and a photographer, who made a "Trump's Lies Kill" sign. The Steel City is "stronger than the hate," she said. "It's a very diverse city, it's a small city but people are close, people are united and we're not going to let this happen here and hurt us." 'Nazi sympathizer' "I can't know what the president is thinking and I cannot know his motivations, but I can know his words," said Gabriel McMorland, 36, who used to live in Squirrel Hill. "They line up so closely with the words of white nationalist terrorists and racist right-wing conspiracy theories," he added. "What he's saying are the kinds of thing that a Nazi sympathizer would say and I don't think I'm exaggerating at all to say that." Toward the end, a short prayer was said in Hebrew, the protesters held their arms up to the sky and tore a piece of black paper in ritual, before observing a moment of silence punctuated only by birdsong. As they marched on, past a fire station and standing police officers, they applauded loudly and chanted "thank you" in tribute to the first responders who were called out to the massacre on Saturday. Many in the crowd were too emotional to speak to the press. The organization was disciplined and determinedly peaceful. A police officer at the scene confirmed there had been no incidents even as the president was in the area mourning the victims. "I think it's more divisive than uniting," librarian Nonie Heystek, 57, said of Trump's arrival. Friends of friends were among those killed, she said. "Pittsburgh is a very small place and there's really only two degrees of separation, especially in this neighbourhood."

Trump visits Pittsburgh, protesters say he's responsible for synagogue shooting

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-invokes-never-used-before-powers-to-issue-directions-to-rbi-report-174517">Government invokes never-used-before powers to issue directions to RBI governor: Report</a>

The Indian government has invoked never-used-before powers under the RBI Act allowing it to issue directions to the central bank governor on matters of public interest, the Economic Times reported on Wednesday.

Separate letters have been sent to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor in recent weeks, exercising powers under the section on issues ranging from liquidity for non-banking financial companies, capital requirement for weak banks and lending to small and medium enterprises, the report said.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513">RBI Governor Urjit Patel may consider resigning after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513">rift</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513"> with government: Report</a>

The rift between India's central bank and the government has widened and could lead to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor considering resignation, CNBC TV18 reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

There has been an irreversible breakdown between the RBI Governor Urjit Patel and the government, the media said, adding that all options were on the table.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-modi-to-unveil-statue-of-unity-today-on-sardar-patels-143rd-birth-anniversary-174516">Live updates: Modi to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-modi-to-unveil-statue-of-unity-today-on-sardar-patels-143rd-birth-anniversary-174516">unveil</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-modi-to-unveil-statue-of-unity-today-on-sardar-patels-143rd-birth-anniversary-174516"> Statue of Unity today on Sardar Patel's 143rd birth anniversary</a>

The Statue of Unity, a 182-metre giant structure built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be dedicated to the nation on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The imposing monument, touted as the world's tallest statue, is twice the height of Statue of Liberty and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district.&nbsp;

After Modi unveils the statue, three IAF planes would fly past and create the tricolour in the sky by emitting saffron, white and green colours, said an official release Tuesday.&nbsp;

Get all your updates on the story, live, from us.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-visits-pittsburgh-protesters-say-hes-responsible-for-synagogue-shooting-174508">Trump visits Pittsburgh, protesters say he's responsible for synagogue shooting that killed 11</a>

Around 1,500 people took to the streets of Pittsburgh Tuesday to demonstrate peacefully in song against a visit by US President Donald Trump and to mourn 11 Jewish worshipers killed in a synagogue.

The crowd of all ages and faiths, including many young families, children and the elderly, marched for six blocks holding signs that read "President Hate, Leave Our State!" and "Trump's Lies Kill."

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-distances-himself-from-politics-says-hes-been-used-174510">Kanye West says he's been 'used', distances himself from politics</a>

Three weeks after a bizarre White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, rapper Kanye West said on Tuesday he was distancing himself from politics.

West, Trump's biggest celebrity supporter, also sought to distance himself from a new campaign that encourages black Americans to quit the Democratic Party.

"My eyes are now wide open and now realize I’ve been used to spread messages I don’t believe in. I am distancing myself from politics and completely focusing on being creative!!!" West tweeted, without mentioning Trump, who is a Republican, or any other names.

Government invokes never-used-before powers to issue directions to RBI governor: Report The Indian government has invoked never-used-before powers under the RBI Act allowing it to issue directions to the central bank governor on matters of public interest, the Economic Times reported on Wednesday.

Government invokes never-used-before powers to issue directions to RBI governor: Report The Indian government has invoked never-used-before powers under the RBI Act allowing it to issue directions to the central bank governor on matters of public interest, the Economic Times reported on Wednesday. Separate letters have been sent to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor in recent weeks, exercising powers under the section on issues ranging from liquidity for non-banking financial companies, capital requirement for weak banks and lending to small and medium enterprises, the report said. RBI Governor Urjit Patel may consider resigning after rift with government: Report The rift between India's central bank and the government has widened and could lead to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor considering resignation, CNBC TV18 reported on Wednesday, citing sources. There has been an irreversible breakdown between the RBI Governor Urjit Patel and the government, the media said, adding that all options were on the table. Live updates: Modi to unveil Statue of Unity today on Sardar Patel's 143rd birth anniversary The Statue of Unity, a 182-metre giant structure built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be dedicated to the nation on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The imposing monument, touted as the world's tallest statue, is twice the height of Statue of Liberty and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district. After Modi unveils the statue, three IAF planes would fly past and create the tricolour in the sky by emitting saffron, white and green colours, said an official release Tuesday. Get all your updates on the story, live, from us. Trump visits Pittsburgh, protesters say he's responsible for synagogue shooting that killed 11 Around 1,500 people took to the streets of Pittsburgh Tuesday to demonstrate peacefully in song against a visit by US President Donald Trump and to mourn 11 Jewish worshipers killed in a synagogue. The crowd of all ages and faiths, including many young families, children and the elderly, marched for six blocks holding signs that read "President Hate, Leave Our State!" and "Trump's Lies Kill." Kanye West says he's been 'used', distances himself from politics Three weeks after a bizarre White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, rapper Kanye West said on Tuesday he was distancing himself from politics. West, Trump's biggest celebrity supporter, also sought to distance himself from a new campaign that encourages black Americans to quit the Democratic Party. "My eyes are now wide open and now realize I’ve been used to spread messages I don’t believe in. I am distancing myself from politics and completely focusing on being creative!!!" West tweeted, without mentioning Trump, who is a Republican, or any other names.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Since the end of World War II, American Jews have lived in relative peace and prosperity, convinced that anti-Semitic attacks were a horror left long behind them.

But the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/synagogue-gunman-kills-11-in-americas-worst-anti-semitic-attack-173906">massacre of 11 people</a> at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday was a brutal reminder that those days are back, resurrected by the advance of extremism and polarization in the Trump era, and fueled by the hatred voiced on social networks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-welcome-in-pittsburgh-174314">Trump 'not welcome' in Pittsburgh</a>

American Jews -- some 5.3 million people, including non-practising Jews, according to the Pew Research Center -- had an "illusory sense of invulnerability," said Jacques Berlinerblau, a professor of Jewish civilization at Georgetown University in Washington.

"European Jews never had that sense.

"Now, that sense of invulnerability has been shattered," he said, echoing sentiments expressed widely by Jewish Americans on social media since a gunman stormed the Tree of Life synagogue.

Kenneth Jacobson, deputy head of the Anti-Defamation League, which combats anti-Semitism and discrimination, said it has been a progressive awakening for American Jews about the dangers they face.

Over the past two decades, "what we were often hearing from American Jews was, 'Why is ADL still in business? anti-Semitism in the US is no longer a problem,'" Jacobson said.

But with the rise in the number of attacks on Jewish targets in France and across Europe in recent years, "there was more of a conversation in the Jewish community, anti-Semitism was more on people's minds," he added.

Invulnerability shattered 
Many were jolted last year when neo-Nazis paraded through the city of Charlottesville, Virginia, chanting "Jews will not replace us," while there has been marked rise in recent years in the number of swastikas being painted on walls and bomb threats against Jewish institutions.

"There is a recognition that anti-Semitism is here as well," Jacobson said.

In February, the ADL reported a 57 percent leap in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in 2017, the sharpest yearly spike since the 1970s.

With midterm elections looming, anti-Semitic attacks, in particular against Jewish journalists, have multiplied recently in online forums, according to a new ADL study that listed a number of hashtags and code words used by white supremacists.

Among the most widespread were #NWO, standing for the "New World Order" which Jewish elites are accused by racists of preparing, and "globalist," an expression often associated with the Jewish billionaire philanthropist George Soros, a favorite target of far-right extremists.

He was one of a slew of Trump critics targeted by mail bombs last week.

"There is a new technology of terror and this technology has not been good for the Jews," said Berlinerblau.&nbsp;

In that context, he admitted the shooting in Pittsburgh was not really a "shock... but a slow moving train wreck."

"Everyone recognizes there is much more of this coming, with the guns in this country," Berlinerblau said.

'Dark times' 
Many American Jews have now accepted that extremism is on the rise &nbsp;-- &nbsp;a sentiment expressed by parents dropping off their kids at the large Jewish community center in New York's Upper West Side on Monday.

"It's a really scary time," said Jana Gold, a 42-year-old mother of two living in the city, the country's largest Jewish community with more than a million members. "I think these are just dark times."

"It just contributes to the overall climate" of violence and divisiveness during the Trump era, she added, even though the president's son-in-law is Jewish and his daughter Ivanka converted to the faith. &nbsp;

Trump "really seems to capitalize on this divisiveness," Gold said, "whereas with our past presidents, Democrats and Republicans, there was a lot more hope, they were still trying to get people together rather than tear us apart."

For 69-year-old Bob Dorf, who dropped his four-year-old grandson off at the center's kindergarten, the president "is trying to get votes by fomenting violence."

Before Pittsburgh, there had been swastikas and graffiti, said the university professor, but nothing on this scale.

"My biggest fear is how many more attacks like these there will be?" he said.

Like many of the great Jewish institutions of New York, the community center is protected by measures that aren't exactly new: an armed guard at the front, and airport-style screening for visitors with bag checks and metal detectors.

Even as the mayor of New York announced heightened protections for Jewish institutions, Jacobson of the ADL said American Jews must not succumb to living in a state of fear like their European counterparts.

"The beauty of American Jewish life is that there was a sense that we are completely equal citizens, and we want to find that right balance between protecting ourselves, our children, our institutions, but also find that natural comfort level we have as Americans and as American Jews," he said.

"America has been overall a great place for Jews, particularly over the past 50-60 years, and we want to keep it that way."

Since the end of World War II, American Jews have lived in relative peace and prosperity, convinced that anti-Semitic attacks were a horror left long behind them.

Since the end of World War II, American Jews have lived in relative peace and prosperity, convinced that anti-Semitic attacks were a horror left long behind them. But the massacre of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday was a brutal reminder that those days are back, resurrected by the advance of extremism and polarization in the Trump era, and fueled by the hatred voiced on social networks. Also read: Trump 'not welcome' in Pittsburgh American Jews -- some 5.3 million people, including non-practising Jews, according to the Pew Research Center -- had an "illusory sense of invulnerability," said Jacques Berlinerblau, a professor of Jewish civilization at Georgetown University in Washington. "European Jews never had that sense. "Now, that sense of invulnerability has been shattered," he said, echoing sentiments expressed widely by Jewish Americans on social media since a gunman stormed the Tree of Life synagogue. Kenneth Jacobson, deputy head of the Anti-Defamation League, which combats anti-Semitism and discrimination, said it has been a progressive awakening for American Jews about the dangers they face. Over the past two decades, "what we were often hearing from American Jews was, 'Why is ADL still in business? anti-Semitism in the US is no longer a problem,'" Jacobson said. But with the rise in the number of attacks on Jewish targets in France and across Europe in recent years, "there was more of a conversation in the Jewish community, anti-Semitism was more on people's minds," he added. Invulnerability shattered Many were jolted last year when neo-Nazis paraded through the city of Charlottesville, Virginia, chanting "Jews will not replace us," while there has been marked rise in recent years in the number of swastikas being painted on walls and bomb threats against Jewish institutions. "There is a recognition that anti-Semitism is here as well," Jacobson said. In February, the ADL reported a 57 percent leap in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in 2017, the sharpest yearly spike since the 1970s. With midterm elections looming, anti-Semitic attacks, in particular against Jewish journalists, have multiplied recently in online forums, according to a new ADL study that listed a number of hashtags and code words used by white supremacists. Among the most widespread were #NWO, standing for the "New World Order" which Jewish elites are accused by racists of preparing, and "globalist," an expression often associated with the Jewish billionaire philanthropist George Soros, a favorite target of far-right extremists. He was one of a slew of Trump critics targeted by mail bombs last week. "There is a new technology of terror and this technology has not been good for the Jews," said Berlinerblau. In that context, he admitted the shooting in Pittsburgh was not really a "shock... but a slow moving train wreck." "Everyone recognizes there is much more of this coming, with the guns in this country," Berlinerblau said. 'Dark times' Many American Jews have now accepted that extremism is on the rise -- a sentiment expressed by parents dropping off their kids at the large Jewish community center in New York's Upper West Side on Monday. "It's a really scary time," said Jana Gold, a 42-year-old mother of two living in the city, the country's largest Jewish community with more than a million members. "I think these are just dark times." "It just contributes to the overall climate" of violence and divisiveness during the Trump era, she added, even though the president's son-in-law is Jewish and his daughter Ivanka converted to the faith. Trump "really seems to capitalize on this divisiveness," Gold said, "whereas with our past presidents, Democrats and Republicans, there was a lot more hope, they were still trying to get people together rather than tear us apart." For 69-year-old Bob Dorf, who dropped his four-year-old grandson off at the center's kindergarten, the president "is trying to get votes by fomenting violence." Before Pittsburgh, there had been swastikas and graffiti, said the university professor, but nothing on this scale. "My biggest fear is how many more attacks like these there will be?" he said. Like many of the great Jewish institutions of New York, the community center is protected by measures that aren't exactly new: an armed guard at the front, and airport-style screening for visitors with bag checks and metal detectors. Even as the mayor of New York announced heightened protections for Jewish institutions, Jacobson of the ADL said American Jews must not succumb to living in a state of fear like their European counterparts. "The beauty of American Jewish life is that there was a sense that we are completely equal citizens, and we want to find that right balance between protecting ourselves, our children, our institutions, but also find that natural comfort level we have as Americans and as American Jews," he said. "America has been overall a great place for Jews, particularly over the past 50-60 years, and we want to keep it that way."

American Jews confront rising tide of anti-Semitism

With United States President Donald Trump slated to visit Pittsburgh in the wake of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/synagogue-gunman-kills-11-in-americas-worst-anti-semitic-attack-173906">shooting that claimed 11 lives</a>, a former leader of the Tree of Life synagogue has said the president is "not welcome" in the city.&nbsp;

"I do not welcome this President to my city," Lynnette Lederman was quoted as saying by CNN as she was responding to questions regarding a letter from Jewish leaders who asked Trump to not visit Pittsburgh. Lederman further labelled Trump as "the purveyor of hate speech."&nbsp;

"The hypocritical words that come from him tell me nothing. We have very, very strong leadership in this city. We have a very strong mayor with very strong values, a very strong county executive in Rich Fitzgerald. We have people who stand by us, who believed in values, not just Jewish values, but believe in values and those are not the values of this President and I do not welcome him to Pittsburgh," the former president of the synagogue said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the current president of the synagogue, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who was conducting services during the shooting on Saturday, said "the President of the United States is always welcome."&nbsp;

"I`m a citizen. He`s my president. He is certainly welcome," Myers added.&nbsp;

Trump had earlier suggested that the perpetrator, identified as 46-year-old Robert Bowers, could have been thwarted had an armed guard been stationed outside the Jewish house of worship.&nbsp;

Attorney General Jeff Sessions confirmed that the Department of Justice "will file hate crimes and other criminal charges against the defendant, including charges that could lead to the death penalty."&nbsp;

With United States President Donald Trump slated to visit Pittsburgh in the wake of the shooting that claimed 11 lives, a former leader of the Tree of Life synagogue has said the president is "not welcome" in the city.

With United States President Donald Trump slated to visit Pittsburgh in the wake of the shooting that claimed 11 lives, a former leader of the Tree of Life synagogue has said the president is "not welcome" in the city. "I do not welcome this President to my city," Lynnette Lederman was quoted as saying by CNN as she was responding to questions regarding a letter from Jewish leaders who asked Trump to not visit Pittsburgh. Lederman further labelled Trump as "the purveyor of hate speech." "The hypocritical words that come from him tell me nothing. We have very, very strong leadership in this city. We have a very strong mayor with very strong values, a very strong county executive in Rich Fitzgerald. We have people who stand by us, who believed in values, not just Jewish values, but believe in values and those are not the values of this President and I do not welcome him to Pittsburgh," the former president of the synagogue said. Meanwhile, the current president of the synagogue, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who was conducting services during the shooting on Saturday, said "the President of the United States is always welcome." "I`m a citizen. He`s my president. He is certainly welcome," Myers added. Trump had earlier suggested that the perpetrator, identified as 46-year-old Robert Bowers, could have been thwarted had an armed guard been stationed outside the Jewish house of worship. Attorney General Jeff Sessions confirmed that the Department of Justice "will file hate crimes and other criminal charges against the defendant, including charges that could lead to the death penalty."

Trump 'not welcome' in Pittsburgh

The gunshots that tore through a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday first triggered lockdowns in houses of worship across the city. Then they brought forth an outpouring of unity and support.

Following the deadliest attack ever on the Jewish community in the United States, residents rushed to provide comfort, give blood, organize vigils and bring therapy dogs to a Jewish community center.

The Tree of Life synagogue, where 11 people were killed by a gunman who burst into a morning service, is home to three congregations in Squirrel Hill, the heart of Pittsburgh's tight-knit Jewish community.

Word of Saturday's shooting spread quickly through the community. For some, the news arrived with text messages and phone calls. In corners of the community where cellphones were turned off during the Sabbath, it arrived nearly as quickly by word of mouth.

That was the case at the nearby Chabad congregation, where the service continued but with someone monitoring the door during what is traditionally an open event. One congregant, a chaplain, walked out to pray.

"Community is the greatest asset," said Rabbi Yisroel Altein of Chabad. "Everybody being here for each other and looking to dispel the dark with the light."

Erika Strassburger, who represents Tree of Life's district on Pittsburgh's City Council, said she was at a political gathering of about 30 people when she heard the news. The group put its plans to canvas the neighborhood for signatures on hold.

INCLUSIVITY AND 'PITTSBURGH LEFT'

Squirrel Hill is known for inclusivity, the late television personality Fred Rogers who attended a church there, and for friendliness, residents said. It is a place where drivers use a "Pittsburgh Left," yielding to oncoming traffic wanting to turn.

After the shooting, turnout at services across the city swelled. As soon as the Sabbath ended, members of Orthodox congregations and others who had been unable to attend the earlier vigil gathered. They stood outside of Tree of Life, or L'Simcha, and read psalms.

The following day, children attended traditional Sunday school classes at other congregations under the watch of neighborhood police. About 100 clergy, lay leaders and volunteers gathered at the Jewish Community Center to discuss how to move forward and make arrangements for many funerals at the same time. In Judaism, the dead traditionally need to be buried within 24 hours, so other congregations came forward to offer space.

After the meeting wrapped up, volunteers brought over a dozen therapy dogs to help console those in pain.

Carnegie Mellon University professor Bill Scherlis, who lives just a few blocks from the synagogue and has been to events there, went to a candlelight vigil nearby on Saturday night that was arranged by high school students and attended by hundreds of people.

When word of the shooting spread, Scherlis said, the streets became "quite suddenly" full of neighbors who came out to stand together arm in arm.

"The spirit is so strongly felt," he said. "This community response is in sharp contrast to the horror of the events."

The gunshots that tore through a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday first triggered lockdowns in houses of worship across the city. Then they brought forth an outpouring of unity and support.

The gunshots that tore through a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday first triggered lockdowns in houses of worship across the city. Then they brought forth an outpouring of unity and support. Following the deadliest attack ever on the Jewish community in the United States, residents rushed to provide comfort, give blood, organize vigils and bring therapy dogs to a Jewish community center. The Tree of Life synagogue, where 11 people were killed by a gunman who burst into a morning service, is home to three congregations in Squirrel Hill, the heart of Pittsburgh's tight-knit Jewish community. Word of Saturday's shooting spread quickly through the community. For some, the news arrived with text messages and phone calls. In corners of the community where cellphones were turned off during the Sabbath, it arrived nearly as quickly by word of mouth. That was the case at the nearby Chabad congregation, where the service continued but with someone monitoring the door during what is traditionally an open event. One congregant, a chaplain, walked out to pray. "Community is the greatest asset," said Rabbi Yisroel Altein of Chabad. "Everybody being here for each other and looking to dispel the dark with the light." Erika Strassburger, who represents Tree of Life's district on Pittsburgh's City Council, said she was at a political gathering of about 30 people when she heard the news. The group put its plans to canvas the neighborhood for signatures on hold. INCLUSIVITY AND 'PITTSBURGH LEFT' Squirrel Hill is known for inclusivity, the late television personality Fred Rogers who attended a church there, and for friendliness, residents said. It is a place where drivers use a "Pittsburgh Left," yielding to oncoming traffic wanting to turn. After the shooting, turnout at services across the city swelled. As soon as the Sabbath ended, members of Orthodox congregations and others who had been unable to attend the earlier vigil gathered. They stood outside of Tree of Life, or L'Simcha, and read psalms. The following day, children attended traditional Sunday school classes at other congregations under the watch of neighborhood police. About 100 clergy, lay leaders and volunteers gathered at the Jewish Community Center to discuss how to move forward and make arrangements for many funerals at the same time. In Judaism, the dead traditionally need to be buried within 24 hours, so other congregations came forward to offer space. After the meeting wrapped up, volunteers brought over a dozen therapy dogs to help console those in pain. Carnegie Mellon University professor Bill Scherlis, who lives just a few blocks from the synagogue and has been to events there, went to a candlelight vigil nearby on Saturday night that was arranged by high school students and attended by hundreds of people. When word of the shooting spread, Scherlis said, the streets became "quite suddenly" full of neighbors who came out to stand together arm in arm. "The spirit is so strongly felt," he said. "This community response is in sharp contrast to the horror of the events."

Shooting triggers lockdowns, then locked arms in Pittsburgh community

The 11 victims murdered at a Pittsburgh synagogue in the deadliest attack ever on the Jewish community in the United States were mostly older worshipers, ranging in age from 54 to 97, officials said on Sunday.

The suspected gunman, 46-year-old Robert Bowers of Pittsburgh, stormed the building during a Saturday morning service and also wounded six other people including four police officers before being arrested.

Bowers, who made statements about genocide and his desire to kill Jewish people during the rampage, will make an initial appearance before a judge on Monday afternoon, US&nbsp;Attorney Scott Brady said at a news conference.

"The fact that this attack took place during a worship service makes it even more heinous," Brady said.

The Tree of Life synagogue in the city's Squirrel Hill neighbourhood, a heavily Jewish area, was holding a Shabbat religious service when the gunman burst in.

Two brothers in their 50s and a husband and wife in their 80s were among those killed, according to the list of victims released by officials.

Two people were in critical condition at area hospitals and three others, including one police officer, were in stable condition. One police officer was treated and released on Saturday.

The mass shooting prompted security alerts at houses of worship around the country and condemnation from politicians and religious leaders.

It followed a spate of pipe bombs found mailed in recent days to prominent political figures, mostly Democrats including former U.S. President Barack Obama, ahead of Nov. 6 congressional elections.

"We'll get through this darkest day of Pittsburgh history by working together," the city's mayor, Bill Peduto, told reporters.

"I'm going in"

Bowers had made many anti-Semitic posts online, including one early on Saturday. In another, he slammed US&nbsp;President Donald Trump for doing nothing to stop an "infestation" of the United States by Jews.

A social media post by Bowers on Saturday morning said a Jewish refugee organization, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, "likes to bring invaders in that kill our people. I can't sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I'm going in".

US&nbsp;Representative Adam Schiff, a Democrat who is Jewish, said on Sunday the country needs to combat a climate of hatred and division that he said Trump helped foster.

"Honestly I think this president's whole modus operandi is to divide us. He gets up in the morning with new and inventive ways to divide us," Schiff said on CNN's "State of the Union."

On Saturday, Trump called the shooting an act of pure evil and called on Americans to rise above hatred.

Bowers surrendered after a shootout with a SWAT team. Federal prosecutors charged him late on Saturday with 29 criminal counts including violence and firearms offenses, and violating US&nbsp;civil rights laws.

Several of the charges could carry the death penalty.

The Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Council for Public Affairs described it as the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States.

In Israel, cabinet ministers stood for a moment of silence on Sunday to honour the victims of the shooting.

"All jews must die"

KDKA television cited police sources as saying Bowers walked into the building and yelled "All Jews must die".

FBI Special Agent Robert Jones said Bowers was armed with an assault rifle and three handguns. Jones added that he did not know why Bowers picked the particular synagogue for his attack.

He said authorities believed the suspect entered the synagogue, murdered the worshippers and was leaving when he encountered a uniformed police officer. The pair exchanged gunfire, Jones said, and Bowers reentered the building before a SWAT team arrived.

Bowers was taken to a hospital where he was listed in fair condition with multiple gunshot wounds.

At one point on Saturday. Trump told reporters that the killings might have been prevented if there had been an armed guard. Synagogue officials said police would only normally have been present there for security on high holidays.

Peduto said at Sunday's news conference that armed guards would not have prevented the violence.

"We're dealing with irrational behavior. There is no way that you can rationalize a person walking into a synagogue during services and taking the lives of 11 people."

The 11 victims murdered at a Pittsburgh synagogue in the deadliest attack ever on the Jewish community in the United States were mostly older worshipers, ranging in age from 54 to 97, officials said on Sunday.

The 11 victims murdered at a Pittsburgh synagogue in the deadliest attack ever on the Jewish community in the United States were mostly older worshipers, ranging in age from 54 to 97, officials said on Sunday. The suspected gunman, 46-year-old Robert Bowers of Pittsburgh, stormed the building during a Saturday morning service and also wounded six other people including four police officers before being arrested. Bowers, who made statements about genocide and his desire to kill Jewish people during the rampage, will make an initial appearance before a judge on Monday afternoon, US Attorney Scott Brady said at a news conference. "The fact that this attack took place during a worship service makes it even more heinous," Brady said. The Tree of Life synagogue in the city's Squirrel Hill neighbourhood, a heavily Jewish area, was holding a Shabbat religious service when the gunman burst in. Two brothers in their 50s and a husband and wife in their 80s were among those killed, according to the list of victims released by officials. Two people were in critical condition at area hospitals and three others, including one police officer, were in stable condition. One police officer was treated and released on Saturday. The mass shooting prompted security alerts at houses of worship around the country and condemnation from politicians and religious leaders. It followed a spate of pipe bombs found mailed in recent days to prominent political figures, mostly Democrats including former U.S. President Barack Obama, ahead of Nov. 6 congressional elections. "We'll get through this darkest day of Pittsburgh history by working together," the city's mayor, Bill Peduto, told reporters. "I'm going in" Bowers had made many anti-Semitic posts online, including one early on Saturday. In another, he slammed US President Donald Trump for doing nothing to stop an "infestation" of the United States by Jews. A social media post by Bowers on Saturday morning said a Jewish refugee organization, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, "likes to bring invaders in that kill our people. I can't sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I'm going in". US Representative Adam Schiff, a Democrat who is Jewish, said on Sunday the country needs to combat a climate of hatred and division that he said Trump helped foster. "Honestly I think this president's whole modus operandi is to divide us. He gets up in the morning with new and inventive ways to divide us," Schiff said on CNN's "State of the Union." On Saturday, Trump called the shooting an act of pure evil and called on Americans to rise above hatred. Bowers surrendered after a shootout with a SWAT team. Federal prosecutors charged him late on Saturday with 29 criminal counts including violence and firearms offenses, and violating US civil rights laws. Several of the charges could carry the death penalty. The Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Council for Public Affairs described it as the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States. In Israel, cabinet ministers stood for a moment of silence on Sunday to honour the victims of the shooting. "All jews must die" KDKA television cited police sources as saying Bowers walked into the building and yelled "All Jews must die". FBI Special Agent Robert Jones said Bowers was armed with an assault rifle and three handguns. Jones added that he did not know why Bowers picked the particular synagogue for his attack. He said authorities believed the suspect entered the synagogue, murdered the worshippers and was leaving when he encountered a uniformed police officer. The pair exchanged gunfire, Jones said, and Bowers reentered the building before a SWAT team arrived. Bowers was taken to a hospital where he was listed in fair condition with multiple gunshot wounds. At one point on Saturday. Trump told reporters that the killings might have been prevented if there had been an armed guard. Synagogue officials said police would only normally have been present there for security on high holidays. Peduto said at Sunday's news conference that armed guards would not have prevented the violence. "We're dealing with irrational behavior. There is no way that you can rationalize a person walking into a synagogue during services and taking the lives of 11 people."

Pittsburgh synagogue victims included 97-year-old, pair of brothers

pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting

Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, News on Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, stories on Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, articles on Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting stories at Wion, Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting news, Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting latest news

pittsburgh synagogue-shooting