THE suspect in a shooting which saw at least 11 people slaughtered at a synagogue in Pittsburgh has been charged over the murders.

Robert Bowers, 46, is said to have ranted online about the "infestation of Jews", according to reports.

24 Robert Bowers is alleged to have opened fire on worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh Credit: Pennsylvania State Police

Robert Bowers, 46, allegedly opened fire on worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue while shouting "all Jews must die" shortly before 10am local time.

Federal prosecutors have charged the suspected gunman in a massacre that killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue with 29 charges, including using a firearm to commit murder.

Six people were injured during the massacre which has prompted US President Donald Trump to claim that the house of worship should have had armed guards.

A law enforcement official named the alleged shooter on condition of anonymity to the Associated Press while cops previously described the gunman as being white with a beard.

Bowers, who is currently in a stable condition in hospital, was injured in a shootout with police.

The synagogue was busy this morning with Sabbath services and a baby naming ceremony taking place.

24 An armed responder runs during the siege of the synagogue Credit: Getty Images - Getty

24 Distraught locals embrace after the mass shooting in Pittsburgh Credit: AP:Associated Press

24 Law enforcement in military fatigues patrol the streets following the shooting Credit: meganguzaTrib/Twitter

24 Law enforcement run with a person on a stretcher at the scene where multiple people were shot Credit: AP:Associated Press

Witnesses say the gunman burst into the building carrying three handguns and an AR-15 rifle - a firearm which has become synonymous with US shootings.

According to reports, Bowers's social media account was filled with white supremacist symbolism and disturbing anti-Semitic rhetoric including rants against the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.

He said the group were bringing "invaders in that kill our people" and posted the chilling message "I'm going in" an hour before unleashing terror on the Tree of Life.

He wrote: "I can't sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I'm going in."

24 A local resident speaks to a SWAT team officer near the scene of the deadly shooting Credit: Sky News

24 The shooter has been arrested after opening fire at Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue Credit: Google

A gunman who opened fire at a synagogue in Pittsburgh is in custody but police are still urging residents to 'stay indoors' over safety concerns

Bowers also posted anti-Trump statements online claiming there was no ‘MAGA’ when there was a Jewish “infestation" in the country – referring to the slogan Make American Great Again.

He called the US President "a puppet for Jewish interests" while also posting a picture of three handguns along with the caption "my Glock family" in reference to the name of the firearms manufacturer.

After entering the synagogue at 9.45am this morning, the shooter opened fire on the main floor of the building before moving downstairs.

He then reportedly fired shots at a congregation in the basement.

24 Bowers posted sick anti-Jewish messages on social network Gab which is known for its uncensored content

24 The alleged shooter also posted anti-Trump rants on social

24 The anti-Semite posted a picture of his Glock handguns and ammunition online Credit: @gab

24 Bowers also posted images featuring the white supremacist number 1488

Following the massacre, the 46-year-old was said to have been confronted by two police officers as he left the building.

Both of those cops were injured by shots fired by the killer who fled to a nearby office building where he exchanged fire with a SWAT team.

After he injured another two armed officers, the shooter sustained at least one gunshot wound and surrendered, according to reports.

The terrifying incident, from when the gunman entered the synagogue to when he was apprehended, lasted only 20 minutes.

Cops are said to have searched Bowers' home in Baldwin, Pennsylvania - which is around 30 minutes drive to the scene of the shooting.

24 A man holds his head as he is escorted away from the scene by police Credit: AP:Associated Press

24 At least 11 people are believed to have been killed in the massacre Credit: Twitter

24 Residents talk to the media near the site of a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue Credit: Getty Images - Getty

24 Trump, pictured with a leading rabbi at an event in Indianapolis today, said the synagogue should have had armed guards Credit: AP:Associated Press

Events in Pittsburgh are far more devastating than originally thought. Spoke with Mayor and Governor to inform them that the Federal Government has been, and will be, with them all the way. I will speak to the media shortly and make further statement at Future Farmers of America. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 27, 2018

A woman, 61, was injured by the depraved killer while an elderly man, 70, is undergoing surgery after being shot. Both of those victims are expected to survive.

None of the victims have been named although all of those killed were adults, police have confirmed.

A 55-year-old cop is said to be critically injured after being gunned down.

The local blood bank has put out calls for O-positive and O-negative type blood and platelet donors to come forward to help those who were shot.

During an interview after the shooting President Trump said the attack had "little to do" with gun laws and the attacker should pay a high price.

He said: "This was a case where if they had an armed guard inside they might have been able to stop him immediately."

US President Donald Trump calls for the death penalty hours after a gunman stormed a Pittsburgh synagogue, killing 11

24 People gather for a vigil in the aftermath of the deadly shooting in Pittsburgh Credit: AP:Associated Press

24 The massacre has shocked the town which is known for its large Jewish community Credit: AP:Associated Press

24 Hundreds of people gathered in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh for a memorial service for the victims Credit: AP:Associated Press

Trump added that if there has been armed security then "maybe there might have been nobody killed except for him."

Having an armed guard at every synagogue in the country was an option, he said.

He continued: "They had a maniac walk in and they didn't have any protection.

"It's even tougher when you're the president of the United States and you have to see this kind of thing happen."

Trump said lawmakers "should very much bring the death penalty into vogue" and people who kill in places such as synagogues and churches "really should suffer the ultimate price."

CBS reported Bower's account - an alternative to Twitter which does not censor any content - had been taken down after the shooting.

President of the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh said over half of the city's Jewish community lived in and around the neighbourhood of Squirrel Hill.

FBI, Pittsburgh police, and city and state officials brief the media on the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue and confirm 11 fatalities

24 The synagogue is located on Wildins Avenue in the Squirrel Hill neighbourhood of Pittsburgh Credit: AP:Associated Press

24 A SWAT member prepares his rifles outside the synagogue after an anti-Semitic gunman opened fire Credit: BeauWTAE/WTAE/Twitter

Pittsburgh police urge residents to seek shelter after a gunman opened fire at a synagogue

Micheal Eisenberg - the former president of the Tree of Life - there were three services at the synagogue when the gunman entered at 9.45am.

He admitted that he had been worried about the security of the building before, saying: "It was a major concern for me, for us, we were working with home land security to evaluate escape routes.

We were working with other synagogues about what to do if something like this happened."

Eisenberg had been on his way to the service when he heard about the shooting.

He added: "I have always had a watchful eye about what's going on in the current climate." 24 Ambulance crews prepare to evacuate wounded from the synagogue Credit: AP:Associated Press 24 Two SWAT teams were called in after news of the shooting broke Credit: AP:Associated Press

Just did a very emotional interview with a man who said his friends were inside the Tree of Life of Synagogue. His father in-law got outside safely pic.twitter.com/WQHVtpM3WQ — Aaron Martin (@WPXIAaronMartin) October 27, 2018

Two SWAT teams were involved in the stand off, according to local media.

New York City Mayor Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted: "Anti-semitism is a dangerous cancer on our society. We cannot be silent. Stand up. Speak up.

"Challenge it in every form. To our Jewish neighbors and communities: Your city stands with you. We will protect you. And together we will defeat this hatred."

24 First responders arriving at the scene of the shooting in Pittsburgh Credit: AP:Associated Press

24 Local media claims the gunman also opened fire at responding police officers Credit: Twitter

Israel has expressed its shock and concern and offering assistance to the local community following the deadly shooting.

Minister Naftali Bennett, Israel's Cabinet minister for diaspora affairs, said he was "following the news with concern."

He had instructed Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs to prepare to assist the community in every possible way.

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One person wrote on Twitter: "There was just a man who opened fire in the synagogue down the street from my job. We’ve seen 15+ police cars drive by."

Officers who exchanged gunfire with the suspect had to use their vehicles as a shield to protect themselves from the bullets.

The tree-lined residential neighbourhood of Squirrel Hill, about 10 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, is the hub of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community.

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