Pittsburgh shooting: US Muslim groups raise more than $110,000 for synagogue attack victims

Crowdfunding campaign aims to help with immediate and short-term needs of injured victims and families

Mourners visit a makeshift memorial outside the Tree of Life synagogue (REUTERS)

A Muslim group in the US has raised more than $110,000 (£85,732) for those affected by the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.

The crowdfunding campaign was launched by two American-Muslim charities, CelebrateMercy and MPower Change, after 11 people were killed at a synagogue in Pittsburgh in a mass shooting at the Tree of Life building in the Jewish neighbourhood of Squirrel Hill.

Authorities made clear they believed the attack was motivated by religious hatred and 46-year-old Robert Bowers has been charged for the incident.

US Muslim groups are now raising money to help with the immediate, short-term needs of the injured victims and grieving families – including funeral expenses and medical bills.

The initial target, to raise $25,000 (£19,500), was hit within just six hours and the current figure stands at $113,000 (£88,000).

“We wish to respond to evil with good, as our faith instructs us and send a powerful message of compassion through action,” the groups said.

The money will be given to the the Islamic Centre of Pittsburgh, who will distribute it to the affected families.

“Through this campaign, we hope to send a united message from the Jewish and Muslim communities that there is no place for this type of hate and violence in America,” the groups added.

“We pray that this restores a sense of security and peace to the Jewish-American community who has undoubtedly been shaken by this event.”