Govt strongly condemns California synagogue attack

Tape is placed in front of the scene of the shooting at the Poway Synagogue in California on April 27, 2019. – AFP

PETALING JAYA: The government has strongly condemned an attack on a synagogue in San Diego, California, that left one dead and three wounded.

"It is a heinous terrorist act that must be denounced.

"All individuals from all faiths and religions must be free to practise their respective religions in peace and harmony.

"The safety of all people regardless of any religion must be guaranteed especially in their respective worship spaces.

"Humanity must be freed from hatred and extremism," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday (April 28).

The Ministry also took note of reports that the alleged perpetrator had, in his open letter, also claimed responsibility for setting alight a mosque in Escondido, California on March 24.

"We therefore urge the perpetrators of both incidents be brought to justice.

"The government and people of Malaysia stand hand in hand with the victims and the affected families in San Diego, California," it said.