Police: 3 killed in Tel Aviv terrorist shooting

Three people were killed and seven wounded in a shooting at a popular outdoor market Wednesday in Tel Aviv, Israeli police said. 

Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld called the attackers “terrorists,” tweeting that two had been captured.

“No further terrorists in the area.” 

Update to attack in tel Aviv: police capture one terrorist. Shops And food mall evacuated. 7 people injured and taken to hospital

— Micky Rosenfeld (@MickyRosenfeld) June 8, 2016

Update to attack in tel Aviv. 3 people killed in shooting attack. No further terrorists in the area. 2 terrorists captured

— Micky Rosenfeld (@MickyRosenfeld) June 8, 2016

{mosads}An eyewitness said four gunshots rang out, followed by a second burst of fire, and officers shot at least one of the assailants near the scene, The New York Times reported.

Rosenfeld said the area has been evacuated. Wounded victims have been taken to a hospital, he said. 

The shooting occurred about 9 p.m. local time in or near the Sarona market, according to CNN. 

The shooting comes amid a recent uptick in violence in Israel.  

Since October, more than two dozen Israelis and two American tourists have been killed in attacks by Palestinian assailants. 

Members of Congress issued statements of condolence for the families of the victims. 

“Today’s reprehensible violence in Tel Aviv underscores the constant threat that the people of Israel face every day. My heart aches for the victims’ families and loved ones,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 

“The perpetual threat of attack from Israel’s neighbor states, terror groups and lone wolf terrorists underscores the need for increased U.S. security assistance,” Murphy said.

“The deaths and injuries that resulted from the terrorist attack in Israel remind us of the real and present danger of terrorism to peaceful countries,” said Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who is also a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims. Our nation must stand by Israel, our close and reliable partner in a troubled region.”

“Our prayers are with the people of Israel, as news emerges of a terror attack in Tel Aviv today,” said Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.). “We stand together with our friend Israel, our most important ally in a very dangerous region.”

“These attacks underscore why we must stand arm in arm with Israel and continue to fight against terror wherever it may be. We cannot allow terror to shake our core beliefs in freedom and democracy, and I will continue to keep a close eye on this situation as it develops,” he added.

The State Department condemned the attack in a statement.

“The United States condemns today’s horrific terrorist attack in Tel Aviv in the strongest possible terms. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and our hopes for a quick recovery for those wounded. These cowardly attacks against innocent civilians can never be justified. We are in touch with Israeli authorities to express our support and concern,” said State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner.

Updated 6:21 p.m.