Pittsburgh Police say they have captured a suspect, Robert Bower, 46, in the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday morning. The shootings occurred during Shabbat service, normally the busiest time of the week at the house of worship. Bower reportedly shouted, “All Jews must die.” The number of casualties is unclear, but most news sources say at least four are dead.
Bower’s social media profile seems to show he was obsessed with anti-Semitic conspiracy theories that Jewish groups were working to inundate America with immigrants who were killing white people.
President Donald Trump tweeted:
Watching the events unfolding in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement on the scene. People in Squirrel Hill area should remain sheltered. Looks like multiple fatalities. Beware of active shooter. God Bless All!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 27, 2018
Given Trump’s own history of helping to mainstream white nationalism, many commentators were not impressed by his words:
When Neo-Nazis marched through Charlottesville chanting "Jews will not replace us" you called them "very fine people" https://t.co/uRCf7KmEJ6
— Ari Berman (@AriBerman) October 27, 2018
Less than 24 hours after chuckling as his supporters chanted, “Lock him up!” about George Soros, a Holocaust survivor and democracy advocate around the world. https://t.co/rueGxrNJf5
— Mara Gay (@MaraGay) October 27, 2018
You constantly talk about how people who protest against you are paid by Soros.
— Geraldine (@everywhereist) October 27, 2018
You understand that you foster a culture of anti-Semitism and hate, right? https://t.co/nvpQ2K59Zd