What they're saying:
Reactions from around the area

"The shooting attack at the Seattle Jewish Federation was a terrible tragedy and points out the need for security awareness, especially at a time when there is a crisis in the Middle East, with Israel as a focal point."

The Anti-Defamation League

"We urge our law-enforcement agencies to take immediate action against the perpetrator or perpetrators, and to take all necessary actions to prevent such crimes from happening against Jews, Arabs and Muslims in the future."

Rita Zawaideh

"It is a tragedy for all of Seattle that such a hate crime could take place. With the ongoing Middle East crisis, we need to work together to find ways to end violence and live with one another in peace both around the world and here in our own communities."

Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.

"This act of violence and hatred struck the Jewish Federation as a symbol of all Jews. We put great value on our close personal and professional relationships with the staff of the Jewish Federation; their work is a pillar of our community's continuity, strength and diversity."

Rainer Waldman Adkins

"There is no room for such acts of violence in our city and community. When one of us is attacked, none of us are safe. We refuse to see the violence in the Middle East spill over to our cities and neighborhoods."

Council on American-Islamic Relations, Seattle

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and friends. Washingtonians cannot accept these senseless acts of violence, whatever the motivation."

Gov. Christine Gregoire

"The way to peace is through acts of peace. We urge communities of faith to continue to work together to support and console one another and to ensure that works of peace prevail against the challenge of anger and violence."

Islamic Center of Tacoma

"Our federation colleagues so unmercifully and viciously attacked were spending their day as they normally do, providing for social and humanitarian services that benefited all of metropolitan Seattle."

Howard Rieger

"Let me also assure everyone in Seattle that we are taking steps to protect temples, synagogues and mosques in our city in order to ensure that our community is safe."

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels

"I can't even describe how horrible everyone in the community feels. Shock, disbelief."

Yousef Shehadeb