Washington, October 27: The man behind killings of eight people in at a synagogue in the US city of Pittsburgh on Saturday was identified as 46-year-old Robert Bowers. Armed with multiple weapons, Robert Bowers entered the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue and yelled 'All Jews must die' before opening fire, reported KDKA, a local radio station. The shooting took place on the Jewish Sabbath.

According to US media reports, Robert Bowers was raising anti-semitic slogans during the shooting. He surrendered to law enforcement authorities after a fierce exchange of gunfire. Authorities say he was injured and crawling when he was taken into custody. Locals news outlets reported he is a white supremacist who believes Jews are controlling US President Donald Trump.

In his last post on social media, Robert Bowers attacked HIAS, a Jewish-American organisation that helps refugees in the U.S. and around the world. He wrote: “HIAS likes to bring invaders that kill our people. I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics. I’m going in.” In another post on Gab, an alternative of Twitter, he said he didn't vote for Trump because he allowed Jewish people in his administration.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump said the shooter must get the death penalty. “People who do this should get the death penalty. I think they should stiffen up laws and I think they should very much bring the death penalty to anybody who does a thing like this to innocent people," Trump was quoted as saying. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a video statement following the attack on Jews in Pittsburgh.

"I was heartbroken and appalled by the murderous attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue today. The entire people of Israel grieve with the families of the dead," Netanyahu said. "Israel stands together with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh. We stand together with the American people in the face of this horrendous anti-Semitic brutality, and we all pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 27, 2018 11:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).