Pittsburgh police on Tuesday released the names of six officers who were injured while responding Saturday to an active shooter at Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill.
Officers Daniel Mead, Michael Smidga, Anthony Burke and Timothy Matson were injured by gunfire as they attempted to stop the shooter at the synagogue on Wilkins Avenue, officials said.
Officer John Persin suffered a hearing injury, and Officer Tyler Pashel injured his knee during the incident.
Only Officers Mead and Matson remained hospitalized Tuesday.
The gunman opened fire around 10 a.m. as Officers Mead and Smidga approached the front door of the synagogue, authorities said. Officer Mead was shot in the hand; Officer Smidga was grazed or hit by shrapnel and was cut on the face.
The officers returned fire, and police said the suspect, 46-year-old Robert Bowers, retreated into the building.
A SWAT team was deployed into the synagogue. While trying to clear the third floor, police said they encountered Mr. Bowers, who opened fire. Officer Matson suffered multiple gunshot wounds; Officer Burke was shot in the hand.
Officer Mead joined the department in 2007, while Officer Smidga joined in 2016. Both are assigned to Zone 4 patrol out of the Squirrel Hill station.
Officer Matson joined the force in 2005 and SWAT in 2016; Officer Burke has been a police officer since 2015.
Mr. Bowers, who was shot while exchanging gunfire with police, eventually surrendered to SWAT. Authorities have praised the officers’ actions. FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Bob Jones said police stopped further loss of life by keeping the shooter from leaving the building.
Also wounded in Saturday’s attack were Andrea Wedner, 61, whose 97-year-old mother, Rose Mallinger, was killed, and Daniel Leger, 70, who was shot in the torso.
Shelly Bradbury: 412-263-1999, sbradbury@post-gazette.com or follow @ShellyBradbury on Twitter.
First Published: October 30, 2018, 8:08 p.m.
