After a gunman murdered 11 people at the Tree of Life, a synagogue in Pittsburgh, during a bris on Saturday, the members of Alabama’s congressional delegation reacted with support for the victims and condemnation of violence, hatred and anti-Semitism.
The shooter has been charged with 29 federal counts, including charges of obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs — a federal hate crime. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has said the charges “could lead to the death penalty.”
In two tweets, President Donald Trump said, “All of America is in mourning over the mass murder of Jewish Americans at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We pray for those who perished and their loved ones, and our hearts go out to the brave police officers who sustained serious injuries. This evil Anti-Semitic attack is an assault on humanity. It will take all of us working together to extract the poison of Anti-Semitism from our world. We must unite to conquer hate.”
These strong sentiments were echoed by Alabama’s congressional leaders.
Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) tweeted, “Saddened to hear about the horrible shooting in Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue. We as a nation must strongly condemn acts of terrorism and hate in our communities and in places of worship, and stand together for unity and peace. My heart goes out to all of those affected.”
Alabama’s junior senator, Senator Doug Jones (D-AL), added, “This is a horrific act of violence on a community of faith. It is heartbreaking & wrong on so many levels. No words can heal those families’ pain. No thoughts or prayers can fix what’s broken. Hate is driving some folks to say and do awful things in our country. It must stop—now.”
The two senators from the Yellowhammer State were joined by their Alabama House colleagues.
“There is absolutely no place for hate and bigotry in America. My prayers are with all those impacted by this morning’s tragic shooting,” Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-1) said in a tweet of his own.
I am deeply saddened for the families who lost loved ones during the horrific events at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh today. These atrocious acts of evil have no place in our society & I am praying for all those affected.
— Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) October 27, 2018
My sincere condolences for the lives lost today at the synagogue in Pittsburgh. I offer my prayers to the families of those who have been lost. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” psalm 46:1.
— Rep. Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) October 27, 2018
Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-6) said, “Once again, our nation mourns another senseless act of violence motivated by hate. I pray for comfort for the families who lost loved ones, healing for the injured, and healing and protection for the Jewish community that is so often the target of bigotry and hatred.”
Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-7) used the occasion to call for gun control.
“I am horrified and saddened by the attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue today. My prayers are with victims and their families. As a nation we must make it clear that anti-Semitism and hate have no place here, as lawmakers we must demand action on commonsense gun reform,” Sewell commented.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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