Pittsburgh Steelers Honor 11 Killed At Synagogue

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Steelers observed a moment of silence prior to Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. The team honored the 11 people killed in Saturday's attack on the Tree of Life congregation. Team leaders have said the organization must stand against hate crimes.

"On behalf of the entire Steelers organization, we offer our support and condolences to the families of the attack on peaceful citizens worshiping at the Tree of Life Synagogue," said Steelers President Art Rooney II.

A heavily armed gunman opened fire at Tree of Life, in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, on Saturday. Eleven people were killed in the attack and six were injured, including four police officers. The Anti-Defamation League described the shootings as likely "the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States."

The accused killer has been identified as Robert Bowers of Pittsburgh. He was taken into custody after exchanging gunfire with officers while trying to leave the synagogue. Bowers was injured in the gunfire but is alive.

Officials on Sunday identified the victims, including a brother and sister and husband and wife. No children were among the dead. The shooting took place during a baby-naming ceremony.

A moment of silence was held Sunday prior to the Steelers 1 p.m. kick-off against the Browns.

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"Our hearts are heavy, but we must stand against anti-Semitism and hate crimes of any nature and come together to preserve our values and our community. With that in mind we will ask everyone to join in a moment of silence and prayer prior to our game this afternoon," Rooney said.

For Patch's continuing coverage on the Tree of Life attack, click here.

Patch reporters Eric Heyl, Feroze Dhanoa and Dan Hampton contributed to this report.

Reporting from The Associated Press was used in this story.

A visitor lays flowers at the site of the mass shooting that killed 11 people and wounded 6 at the Tree Of Life Synagogue on October 28, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Suspected gunman Richard Bowers, 46, has been charged with 29 federal counts in the mass shooting that police say was fueled by antisemitism. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)