A jury on Friday found Robert Bowers guilty of dozens of federal hate crimes for the killing of 11 worshippers at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, the deadliest antisemitic attack in US history, local media reported.
Bowers, 50, now faces the penalty phase of his trial at the US District Court in Pittsburgh in which the 12 jurors must weigh whether he deserves the death sentence.
Federal prosecutors charged Bowers with 63 counts, including 11 counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death. The jury found him guilty on all counts.
During his trial, which began on May 30, jurors heard testimony from some of the survivors of the attack and evidence of Bowers’ antisemitism, including multiple posts attacking Jews made on a far-right website in the months leading up to the attack.
“Justice has been served. We realize it does little to ease the pain for the families and friends of the 11 people murdered at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh simply for being Jewish and practicing their faith. However, we hope this verdict allows them to continue the slow process of healing if not closure. The memories of those taken will always be a blessing. Countering the antisemitic hate that invaded their sacred and joyous space must be the job for all of society, not just the Jewish community.”
– The American Jewish Committee
A man prays at a makeshift memorial outside the Tree of Life synagogue following the shooting at the synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018. (credit: REUTERS)Death penalty is a possibility
In the sentencing phase, prosecutors will try to show that aggravating factors were involved, making a case that Bowers carefully planned the attack and that he targeted vulnerable victims. Most of the victims were elderly.
Defense lawyers for Bowers have argued that a death sentence would violate the Constitution on the grounds that he suffers from major mental illness, including schizophrenia.
All 12 jurors must vote unanimously in order to sentence Bowers to death. Otherwise, he will face life in prison.
“In the memory of those lives lost, may a dark day never be repeated.”
– The World Jewish Congress
“The Pittsburgh jury’s conviction of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooter on all 63 charges against him, including 11 counts of hate crimes resulting in death, is a vindication of the American system of justice. It is also an unmistakable reminder of Jew hatred and racial bigotry left unchecked. Society cannot remain complacent and only care about the lives of Jews after an atrocity has been committed. We call on all federal, state, and municipal law enforcement agencies to take all necessary measures to protect synagogues and other Jewish institutions across the United States from any similar tragedy,” Amb. Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress said in a statement following the verdict.
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