Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) is shocked and saddened by last night’s mass shooting in Hanau, Germany that was carried out by a suspected far-right extremist and resulted in the deaths of nine people.

The attack, which occurred at two shisha bars, appears to be racially motivated.

“This epidemic of violent extremism has claimed far too many lives in recent years, and it’s time for governments, law enforcement and civilians to increase vigilance and take a stand against hate,” said FSWC President and CEO Avi Benlolo. “The Holocaust has taught us that we cannot stay silent and allow hatred to fester. Germany and other countries experiencing a rise in hate crimes must take concrete actions to counter this rising tide of extremism and racism that is turning increasingly violent and deadly.”

Federal prosecutors in Germany are reportedly treating the mass shooting as an act of terrorism.