California Synagogue Shooting: Pa. officials react to violence at Congregation Chabad in Poway

It was a scene all-too-familiar: People gathering in a show of solidarity and support outside Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue.

But this time, the vigil wasn’t for locals, but rather for Congregation Chabad in Poway, Calif., near San Diego, which left one person dead, and three more wounded. The California shooting,  on the last day of Passover, came six months to the day of the deadly shooting at Tree of Life, which claimed the lives of 11 people.

Elected officials across Pennsylvania offered their condolences – and condemnation – of the violence. Here is a sampling of what they said:

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf:

As we remembered the Tree of Life families today on the six month anniversary of the tragedy, another Jewish house of worship became the scene of terror. Our hearts are broken. We must do more. We can root out hatred and antisemitism, and we must stop gun violence. https://t.co/D5AZPIG52d

— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) April 27, 2019

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto:

We gather. Again. Always. Until we drive hate speech & acts of hate out of our city, our state, our nation, our world. pic.twitter.com/37LtUTc1vc

— bill peduto (@billpeduto) April 28, 2019

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.:

I’m shocked and saddened by the attack on Congregation Chabad in Poway, CA, on the last day of Passover and six months after the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. https://t.co/bc3SzylC6z

— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) April 27, 2019

Pennsylvania Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny:

My heart breaks for the victims and their families after the shooting today at the Chabad of Poway synagogue in California. Our Squirrel Hill community can keenly empathize with Poway; we are #StrongerThanHate and will mourn & heal again together.

— Senator Jay Costa (@Senatorcosta) April 27, 2019

U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th District:

My emotions about this latest shooting could not be hidden in this interview on @CNNNewsroom. Anti-semitism, islamophobia, and all forms of bigotry and hate will never define us. I call on all leaders, including President @RealDonaldTrump, to embrace love. pic.twitter.com/fd7IKa7jdK

— Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) April 28, 2019

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5th District:

On the last day of Passover, a celebration of freedom, another place of worship became the target of a hate-fueled act of violence. We cannot become numb to this. The human spirit is stronger than hate will ever be. My heart is with the entire #Poway community today.

— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) April 27, 2019

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th District:

Pennsylvania stands with the people of the Chabad synagogue of Poway and San Diego.

This is 6 months to the day of the Pittsburgh #TreeofLife massacre.

It is the last day of Passover.

We are heartbroken.

But we will continue to stand up to hatred & work to end gun violence. https://t.co/V3ayinvuat

— Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) April 27, 2019

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-7th District:

Six months to the day after the Tree of Life massacre, and on the last day of Pesach no less, more gun violence in a synagogue. Your legislators will only act to curb gun violence if you demand it. Please do. https://t.co/bYEH4iZhS0

— Rep. Susan Wild (@RepSusanWild) April 27, 2019

U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-18th District:

My heart goes out to the victims of the Chabad of Poway attack and Jewish communities across the country. You aren’t alone. PGH hasn’t forgotten, and people of all faiths across the US stand beside you against hate. This MUST stop.

— Mike Doyle (@USRepMikeDoyle) April 28, 2019

State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh:

I won’t say his name. But the #PowaySynagogueShooting was committed by a white nationalist who hated Jews, created a manifesto on it and used an AR-15. Does this sound fimiliar?!?! https://t.co/tHtZSREEsI

— Mike Schlossberg (@MikeSchlossberg) April 28, 2019

State Sen. Katie Muth, D-Berks:

Any chance common sense gun safety laws will be passed tomorrow when legislators are back in the Capitol? Or will it be more thoughts and prayers? Gun violence is a public health crisis. Thoughts and prayers can’t remedy this epidemic. #PowaySynagogueShooting https://t.co/MVZRQO3VGq

— Senator Katie Muth (@SenatorMuth) April 28, 2019

And, the anti-gun violence group, CeaseFirePa:

https://twitter.com/CeaseFirePA/status/1122569300940853249

Anyone we missed? Email us at [email protected]