A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony at a synagogue in the US city of Pittsburgh, killing 11 people and injuring six in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in recent American history.
ACDP Member of Parliament, Cheryllyn Dudley said that, “Christians all over the world grieve with the Jewish people over this heinous act; our hearts break for them….hatred, bigotry, discrimination and xenophobia of this kind must be dealt with decisively and leave no room for doubt that it will not be tolerated. Every person, whether perceived as local or foreign is part of our global community and must be protected as we would wish to be.”
The victims gunned down inside the Tree of Life synagogue included a 97-year-old woman – a holocaust survivor, a husband and wife, and two brothers, all of whom were at the Shabbat-morning service when the gunman burst through an open door with three pistols and an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle and began shooting, authorities said.
Robert Bowers, a truck driver aged 46, has been arrested for the crime and is expected to appear in court today. He faces at least 23 state charges, including homicide, attempted homicide and aggravated assault against police officers. He faces an additional 29 federal charges accusing him of civil rights and hate crimes.
“The ACDP extends its condolences to the Jewish people in South Africa as we understand the loss for one is a loss to all. May the Lord bring you comfort in your this tragedy.”
Date published: 30/10/2018
Written by: Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
Article Source: ACDP Media Statement