Shooter targets synagogue in Pennsylvania on IRF day

ANI  |  US 

A shooter opened fire near the in on Saturday, leading to "multiple casualties" at the scene.

Lando also mentioned that there are "multiple casualties", according to

The State Police tweeted that the shooter is in custody while urging everybody to "avoid the area".

Lando has asked the public in the area to practice caution, while saying, "It is imperative that the neighbors in the community surrounding the stay in their houses and shelter in place. Do not come out of your home right now. It is not safe."

The Public Safety account also launched an alert and tweeted "There is an active shooter in the area of WILKINS and Shady. Avoid the area. More info will be released when it is available," while requesting the media to stop calling all Public Safety phones as it interfered with communications.

In the wake of the attack, US had asked people to "beware of the active shooter". "Watching the events unfolding in Pittsburgh, on the scene. People in Squirrel Hill area should remain sheltered. Looks like multiple fatalities. Beware of active shooter. God Bless All!"

The of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, also took note of the situation and tweeted, " We are still learning details about the shooting at the Tree of in but it is a serious situation. @PAStatePolice are assisting local first responders. Please stay away from the area and keep the congregants and in your prayers."

In another tweet, Wolf said he is rushing to the scene of the crime.

Three police officers have been shot, while fatalities have been confirmed by

The shooting coincides with the International Religious Freedom Day, which celebrates the passage of the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act (IRF Act) that is a part of US foreign policy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sat, October 27 2018. 15:58 IST