Pittsburgh police have taken a suspect into custody after multiple casualties were reported in a shooting at a synagogue in the Pennsylvania city.
A police spokesperson said that several people had died and that three officers had been shot.
The gunman was injured in an exchange of gunfire with police, before surrendering and being arrested.
New York Police Department said that they were deploying police officers to places of worship across the city for added protection.
The Tree of Life Congregation synagogue is located at the intersection of Wilkins and Shady avenues, in the city’s Squirrel Hill neighbourhood. Police asked the public to avoid the area.
Governor of Pennsylvania Tom Wolf said in a statement that, “These senseless acts of violence are not who we are as Americans. My thoughts right now are focused on the victims, their families and making sure law enforcement has every resource they need.”
He added, “We cannot accept this violence as normal,” calling on people to come together to prevent attacks like this from happening in the future.
President Donald Trump tweeted that he was “watching events”.
Donald J. Trump
✔@realDonaldTrump
Watching the events unfolding in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement on the scene. People in Squirrel Hill area should remain sheltered. Looks like multiple fatalities. Beware of active shooter. God Bless All!