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” through the ongoing trial of the accused gunman, Robert Bowers. The 50-year-old is facing over 60 federal costs, together with hate crimes leading to dying and obstruction of free train of religion resulting in demise. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
The victims, eight males and three women, aged between 54 and 97, have been killed on October 27, 2018, when the attacker entered the Tree of Life synagogue and opened fire. Bowers has pleaded not responsible to all charges. His lawyers had proposed a responsible plea in exchange for a life sentence, but federal prosecutors rejected the supply. Profit of the victims’ households have expressed support for the death penalty.
Lead prosecutor Soo Song acknowledged in her opening remarks that the defendant had moved methodically via the synagogue to find the Jews he hated and kill them. The court docket heard the distressing 911 call made by one of many victims, Bernice Simon, who was killed alongside along with her husband, Sylvan. Several survivors have been brought to tears through the proceedings.
Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, a survivor of the attack, recalled his prayers in the course of the horrifying occasion, reflecting on the centuries of persecution confronted by his people. 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 consumer carried out the attack however questioned whether or not he had acted out of hatred. She argued that the dying penalty sentencing possibility was unconstitutional as a outcome of Bowers suffers from serious psychological illnesses, together with schizophrenia. Clarke described him as “a socially awkward man who didn’t have many friends” with “misguided intent” and “irrational thoughts”..