Turkish president condemns synagogue attack in US

By S.Ahmet Aytac

ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned a synagogue attack in Pensilvania, the U.S. on Saturday.

“I condemn the terror attack against a Pittsburgh synagogue and extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the American people,” Erdogan wrote on Twitter Saturday.

“Turkey unequivocally condemns all forms of terrorism in all parts of the world regardless of their targets,” he added.

Later, Turkish Foreign Ministry also strongly condemned the "heinous attack" in a statement.

“We express our condolences to the families of the victims and to the US people, especially to the US Jewish community,” it said.

The fatal incident occurred at the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Pittsburgh at around 10 a.m. local time (1400GMT), according to reports.

Police have taken the assailant into custody, said Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich at a press briefing.

At least 11 people were killed after a gunman opened fire during a ceremony at a synagogue in the state of Pennsylvania on Saturday.