A devastating attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018, which claimed the lives of eleven worshippers, has been described as an act of “malice and hatred” during the ongoing trial of the accused gunman, Robert Bowers. The 50-year-old is facing over 60 federal charges, including hate crimes leading to death and obstruction of free train of faith resulting in demise. If convicted, he could face the dying penalty.
The victims, eight males and three girls, aged between 54 and 97, were killed on October 27, 2018, when the attacker entered the Tree of Life synagogue and opened fireplace. Bowers has pleaded not responsible to all costs. His legal professionals had proposed a responsible plea in exchange for a life sentence, but federal prosecutors rejected the provide. Most of the victims’ households have expressed help for the death penalty.
Lead prosecutor Soo Song said in her opening remarks that the defendant had moved methodically via the synagogue to seek out the Jews he hated and kill them. The courtroom heard the distressing 911 call made by one of many victims, Bernice Simon, who was killed alongside together with her husband, Sylvan. Several survivors were brought to tears in the course of the proceedings.
Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, a survivor of the assault, recalled his prayers in the course of the horrifying event, reflecting on the centuries of persecution faced by his individuals. The Tree of Life synagogue was shared by three congregations: Dor Hadash, New Light, and the Tree of Life.
Defence lawyer Judy Clarke acknowledged that there was no disputing her shopper carried out the assault but questioned whether or not he had acted out of hatred. She argued that the death penalty sentencing option was unconstitutional because Bowers suffers from critical mental illnesses, together with schizophrenia. Hidden described him as “a socially awkward man who didn’t have many friends” with “misguided intent” and “irrational thoughts”..