MIAMI, April 13, 2014 — The Officers, Board of Directors and Staff of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation offer our deepest condolences and support to the families of those senselessly murdered and injured this afternoon outside the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City and Village Shalom, a nearby assisted living center in Overland Park operated under Jewish auspices.

“We stand in unity with all people of goodwill in condemning this senseless and horrifying act of violence and in mourning the loss of life,” said Brian Bilzin, Board Chair. “It is shocking and sobering to contemplate the notion that this heinous act was reportedly perpetrated as an expression of anti-Semitism and bigotry.”

Several hours ago, various news outlets reported, and Overland Park police confirmed, three people were killed by a lone gunman who was taken into custody by law enforcement authorities.

Jacob Solomon, Federation President and CEO, said, “On the eve of Passover, a time of personal and communal reflection when the Jewish community focuses on freedom, we and all those who value the sanctity of life are deeply saddened by this horrific killing. We send our thoughts and prayers to all those touched by this tragedy and we call on all decent people to decry the hatefulness and ugliness that motivates such behavior.”