Jacob Ogles
State leaders dispatched Florida Highway Patrol troopers to increase patrols around religious institutions following a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue.
Gov. Rick Scott announced hours after the Pennsylvania attack that patrols would be enhanced at places of worship throughout the state of Florida.
“The shooting at a synagogue in Pennsylvania was an act of pure evil and hatred,” Scott said. “There is no place in America for intolerance and violence, and we will do everything in our power to protect Floridians who are peacefully gathered to worship.”
Pennsylvania authorities report 11 people died in the attack there, according to Pittsburgh news station KDKA CBS 2. The FBI already began investigating the incident as a crime a hate crime, and witnesses say shooter Robert Bowers walked into the synagogue saying “All Jews must die.” The shooter brought an AR-15 and three handguns.
Police apprehended the subject alive within 20 minutes of initial calls to police. Four police officers were injured in the attack.
President Donald Trump responded to news of the shooting, saying the outcome may have been different if armed guards had protected the synagogue. “They didn’t have any protection,” Trump said, according to the Associated Press.
Florida has seen a significant jump in reported hate crimes, according to the most recent published data.
