The man in police custody accused of killing at least 10 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue has been identified in local media reports as Robert Bowers.

Bowers, 46, allegedly entered the synagogue yelling that "all Jews must die." He was described to local CBS affiliate as a white male, heavyset, with a beard, and armed with an AR-15 as well as multiple handguns.

President Trump declared the attack an "anti-Semitic act."

Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich confirmed during a press conference that the suspect was taken to the hospital, though he would not confirm Bowers' name.

Worshipers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood had reportedly gathered for a baby-naming ceremony. Police have a suspect in custody, and four officers were shot as they worked to rescue the people inside the synagogue, called the Tree of Life. Two other people were injured, according to local officials. They did not find any evidence of explosives.

"It's a horrific crime scene, one of the worst I've seen," Hissrich told reporters.

Officials haven't identified the victims or disclosed whether the gunman purchased his weapons legally.

The services at Tree of Life were scheduled to start at 9:45 a.m., and police arrived at the scene at 10 a.m. After shooting at police, the suspect surrendered.

Hissrich said the case would be categorized as a hate crime, which means federal officials will be part of the investigation. The FBI will be leading the investigation, according to the Pittsburgh Public Safety Department.


This is a developing story and will be updated.