Eleven worshipers killed in deadliest anti-Semitic attack in US history
The federal jury ruled on Thursday that Robert Bowers, the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter, could face the death penalty. The trial will now enter a final phase in which the jury will hear evidence before deciding whether Bowers should be sentenced to death or life imprisonment.
JEFF SWENSEN/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFPFamily members of victims light candles in honor of their loved ones during a memorial service
Bowers stormed the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018, killing 11 worshipers in what remains the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in US history. He allegedly told investigators after his arrest that he wanted to kill Jews, according to a complaint. The shooter had offered to plead guilty if the death penalty was waived, but prosecutors refused.
JEFF SWENSEN/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFPFamily members of victims light candles in honor of their loved ones during a memorial service
In June, Bowers was found guilty on all 63 counts against him, including 11 counts of hate crimes resulting in death.
Jeff Swensen/Getty Images/AFPVisitors look at items that well-wishers left along the fence at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
During the trial, prosecutors said the killer moved “methodically” around the synagogue with a semi-automatic assault rifle and three handguns, shooting most of his victims at close range. Defense attorney Judy Clarke admitted at trial that Bowers was the shooter, but asked jurors to “carefully consider his intent” during the attack.
2023-07-13 16:38:09
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