Trump offers condolences after California synagogue shootings

President Trump expressed his condolences for the victims of a shooting at a synagogue in Poway, Calif., earlier on Saturday, while praising law enforcement for their response.

Soon after appearing at a campaign rally in Wisconsin, Trump addressed the shooting, which resulted in one person killed and several wounded. 

{mosads}”Today America’s heart is with the victims of the horrific synagogue shooting in Poway, California,” Trump told supporters

“Our entire nation mourns the loss of life, prays for the wounded and stands in solidarity with the Jewish community. We forcefully condemn the evil of anti-Semitism and hate, which must be defeated,” he continued.

“We are grateful to the law enforcement personnel for their courageous response,” he added. “And I especially want to recognize an off-duty border patrol agent who bravely returned fire and helped disrupt the attack and save so many lives.”

Trump had earlier offered “thoughts and prayers” to people affected by the shooting.

“Thoughts and prayers to all of those affected by the shooting at the Synagogue in Poway, California,” Trump tweeted. “God bless you all.”

“Suspect apprehended. Law enforcement did outstanding job,” he wrote. “Thank you!”

Thoughts and prayers to all of those affected by the shooting at the Synagogue in Poway, California. God bless you all. Suspect apprehended. Law enforcement did outstanding job. Thank you!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2019

Later, Trump addressed reporters, saying he believed the shooting to be hate crime. 

“My deepest sympathies go to the people that were affected– the families, the loved ones– by the, obviously – looks right now based on my last conversations – looks like a hate crime,” he said according to a pool report. 

“At this moment it looks like a hate crime. But my deepest sympathies to all of those affected. And we’ll get to the bottom of it,” he added.  “It looks like the person was apprehended, no more danger. And law enforcement has done a fantastic job.”

First Lady Melania Trump also offered condolences earlier in the day. 

“On this last day of Passover, I was heartbroken to hear of another senseless shooting in a place of worship,” she tweeted. “My heart & prayers go out to all affected in the community.”

The shooting took place around 11:30 a.m. local time, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Ponway Mayor Steve Vaus told CNN that the attack was carried out by “someone with hate in their heart … towards our Jewish community and that just will not stand.”

He added that members of the synagogue confronted the shooter and prevented a deadlier attack.

A 19 year old male is in custody after the shooting, according to San Diego County Sheriff William Gore. The attack took place during the last day of the Jewish Passover holiday. 

Saturday’s attack follows a shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh last year in which 11 people were killed.