Saudi Arabia condemns Pittsburgh Jewish synagogue attack

An official source at the Saudi Foreign Ministry has condemned in the strongest terms the recent shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people.

“The source stressed Saudi Arabia’s rejection of such criminal acts and their extremist ideology, offering condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, the Trump administration, the American people, and wishing the injured a speedy recovery,” a statement on Saudi Press Agency read.

The suspected gunman, 46-year-old Robert Bowers of Pittsburgh, stormed the Tree of Life Congregation in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood during a Saturday morning service. He also wounded six others including four police officers before being arrested.

Bowers, who had made anti-Semitic posts online and shouted about killing Jewish people during the attack, has been charged with federal hate crimes and could face the death penalty. He will appear before a judge on Monday afternoon, US Attorney Scott Brady said at a news conference.