Pittsburgh's sports teams hold moment of silence for shooting victims

"Our hearts are heavy, but we must stand against antisemitism and hate crimes of any nature and come together to preserve our values and our community."

OCTOBER 28, 2018 19:17

Updated: OCTOBER 29, 2018 06:23

Pittsburgh, PA, USA - Heinz field in Pittsburgh lowers the flag to half-staff to honor the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue before the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns (photo credit: JEFFREY BECKER-USA TODAY SPORTS) — Pittsburgh, PA, USA - Heinz field in Pittsburgh lowers the flag to half-staff to honor the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue before the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns

(photo credit: JEFFREY BECKER-USA TODAY SPORTS)

The Pittsburgh Steelers held a moment of silence preceding their game today against the Cleveland Browns, in light of the recent shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, where an antisemitic attack took place that killed 11 and wounded four others during the Shabbat morning services at the synagogue.

The @steelers observe a moment of silence for the victims in yesterday’s attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill. : @WickPhoto pic.twitter.com/3zzhvorPWC
— Pittsburgh City Paper (@PGHCityPaper) October 28, 2018

Steelers fans observe a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill before the team takes on the Browns Sunday at Heinz Field. pic.twitter.com/E6OkytUW5P
— Matt Freed (@mattfreedpghpg) October 28, 2018

"On behalf of the entire Steelers organization, we offer our support and condolences to the families of the attack on peaceful citizens worshiping at the Tree of Life Synagogue," according to a statement team President Art Rooney Jr. said in a statement. "Our hearts are heavy, but we must stand against antisemitism and hate crimes of any nature and come together to preserve our values and our community."

The flag, overlooking Heinz field, was held at half mass today in honor of the victims of the terror incident.

Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II. pic.twitter.com/GFwFISshZd
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 28, 2018

The Pittsburgh Penguins, the city's hockey team was in Vancouver for a regular-season game on Saturday, where they too held a moment of silence regarding the terror attack, according to the team's Twitter account.

Classy move @Canucks! #StrongerThanHate pic.twitter.com/aT9kMZAEfk
— Penguins PR (@PenguinsPR) October 28, 2018

The Penguins will hold a moment of silence before their next home game, scheduled for Tuesday night, the team said in a statement. The team will collect donations for the victims and families of the shooting, according to CBS-Pittsburgh.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins join the greater Pittsburgh community in standing up against this senseless violence and supporting the victims and families of the Tree of Life Synagogue,” said David Morehouse, president and CEO of the team, according to the channel. “Under these circumstances, we determined it was not appropriate to continue with our annual Halloween theme on Tuesday, so those activities have been canceled. The entire city has a heavy heart.”