Three Dead, Eight Wounded in Shooting at Tel Aviv Gay Center

A black-clad gunman opened fire Saturday in what was described in earlier accounts as a gay and lesbian nightclub in Tel Aviv but which the BBC reported is “the headquarters of the local lesbian and gay rights association,” killing three people and wounding eight others before fleeing.

BBC:

Reports say all gay clubs and bars in the city have been closed.

Correspondents say Tel Aviv has a vibrant gay scene but some areas of Jewish society are not tolerant of homosexuality.

“It is not surprising that such a crime can be committed [because of the] incitement of hatred against the homosexual community,” AFP news agency quoted gay and lesbian community leader Mai Pelem as saying.

Read more

AP / Ariel Schalit

Israeli police officers and rescue workers at the shooting scene in Tel Aviv on Saturday.