A gunman who carried out the deadliest antisemitic attack in US history will face the death penalty after being found guilty for killing 11 worshippers at a synagogue in Pittsburgh in October 2018. Robert Bowers, a 50-year-old truck driver, was convicted in June, and the jury has been deliberating over whether he should be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole. The attack took place at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pennsylvania, where Bowers opened fire with an assault rifle and other weapons, also injuring seven others, including five police officers.
For Bowers to receive the death penalty, the jurors needed to reach a unanimous decision. Following the verdict, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who survived the attack, stated that the decision marked the closing chapter of an emotional and lengthy trial. The family of one of the victims, Rose Mallinger, expressed that while they would never attain closure for their loss, they believe a measure of justice has been served with the sentence of death. They emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who commit acts of antisemitism, hate, and violence.
During the trial, Bowers was convicted on 63 counts, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of the free exercise of religion resulting in death. Evidence presented during the trial demonstrated Bowers’ antisemitism, including posts attacking Jews on a far-right website before the attack. He was heard saying “all these Jews must die” at the scene and has since expressed pride in the killings.
In the sentencing phase, prosecutors argued that Bowers had the necessary intent and premeditation to qualify for the death penalty, presenting witnesses and evidence to demonstrate his careful planning and targeting of vulnerable elderly worshippers. However, the defense claimed that Bowers suffers from major mental illness, including schizophrenia, and lacked the required level of intent.
