Pascrell Statement on Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting

PATERSON, NJ – Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) gave the following statement in response to the tragic shooting at the Squirrel Hill Synagogue in Pittsburgh:

“I am devastated at the loss of life in Pittsburgh this morning. The premeditated murder of Jewish women and men during their Sabbath services is unendurable. Anti-Semitism has no place in this world. It is one of the oldest form of hatred. It is the dark seed from which bigotry has grown. And those who fan the flames of division have given it oxygen in our nation and invited it to expand.

“I mourn too the harm that came to several law enforcement officers who arrived at the scene to stop this maniac. I pray for their health and loved ones. My thoughts are with them and all first responders who work to keep us safe. For years I have pushed Congress to expand federal resources for improved security  in our nation’s synagogues and Jewish communities. We must do even more.”

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