The Diocese of Buffalo released this statement Sunday following the tragic shooting in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27.

Bishop Malone and the entire Diocese of Buffalo family would like to express the sympathy and prayers of the Catholic Community of Western New York after the horrific events in Pittsburgh yesterday.  We condemn and deplore the anti-Semitic attacks on the Tree of Life Synagogue.  We send our heartfelt condolences to all those who were tragically affected by the hate-driven acts of evil.

It is a time for all of us to look into our hearts and to come together as one, whatever our creed or ethnicity.  I am instructing all of our Diocese-affiliated entities to follow the president's request to lower flags, to remember those who lost their lives and their families in prayer and to share this statement against violence, especially in places of worship.