Netanyahu: Tel Aviv Attack Was Terrorism

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site of the shooting at a Tel Aviv LGBT center today, saying the attack had "the markings of terrorism."

Netanyahu said that while all murders were shocking, Saturday night's killings were particularly so. "The idea of someone entering a youth club and beginning to commit serial murder - it bears the markings of a terror attack," he said. The premier said he believed stereotyping and denigrating people was wrong and unacceptable. "We are all created in god's image. We all have fundamental rights, the first of which is to be treated with respect by others and give [them] the same respect," he said. "Anyone who has suffered from gratuitous hatred, as an individual or in a group, knows how painful and unacceptable it is. This is something we must uproot from society as much as possible," he added. "I think Israeli society has made progress towards tolerance, and I hope and feel certain that we can make further progress."

Netanyahu was accompanied by Tel Aviv's mayor and police chief. All pledged to find the shooter. Vigils have been held around the world since Saturday, with demonstrations seen in Berlin, London, Paris, NYC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington DC and elsewhere. Another vigil will take place on Saturday in Tel Aviv at Rabin Square.