Official White House press releases and statements

Six Years After Deadliest Antisemitic Attack, Officials Honor Tree of Life Synagogue Victims

Oct 27, 2024, 02:25 PM

On October 27, marking the sixth anniversary of the Tree of Life-Or L’Simcha Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, officials and public figures commemorated the 11 victims: Bernice, Sylvan, Melvin, Daniel, Irving, Rose, Jerry, Joyce, Richard, Cecil, and David. The attack on October 27, 2018, was the deadliest antisemitic act in U.S. history, where the gunman, armed with an AR-15 rifle and three Glock pistols, killed 11 worshippers while shouting 'All Jews must die.' Motivated by antisemitic conspiracy theories, anti-immigrant hate, and white supremacy, the shooting has prompted officials to reaffirm their commitment to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate. President Biden issued a statement marking the anniversary, and Rep. Summer Lee introduced a resolution to honor the victims and condemn antisemitism. Leaders emphasized the importance of standing together against hate and working towards ending gun violence to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.