Tree of Life survivor, police officer invited to State of the Union address

PITTSBURGH — Two men who were at the Tree of Life synagogue shooting will be attending the State of the Union address delivered by President Donald Trump on Feb. 5.

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One, Judah Samet, was just arriving to the temple when he heard the shooting. Samet, who told Channel 11 he was uncharacteristically late on the day of the shooting, is also a Holocaust survivor.

"I think it's one of the greatest privileges an American can have because you are coming to your house. This house belongs to us," Samet told Channel 11's Aaron Martin from Washington on the day of the address.

Also in attendance will be Pittsburgh Police Officer Tim Matson.

Matson was one of the responding officers and was shot several times when in an exchange of gunfire with the shooter.

"To me he's a hero. He's lucky to be alive, he's very gentle. I saw him today standing up by himself and I was very, very happy," Samet said.

After several months in the hospital undergoing treatment, Matson was just recently released.

President Trump will deliver his State of the Union address at 9 p.m. Tuesday. You will be able to watch it LIVE on Channel 11 News and in the WPXI Now streaming apps.

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