A jury in Pittsburgh has unanimously recommended a death sentence for Robert Bowers, the gunman responsible for the deadly mass shooting at a synagogue in 2018. The jury reached its decision on the second day of deliberations after considering whether Bowers should face life in prison or the death penalty. Bowers was found guilty in June of all 63 federal charges, including hate crimes resulting in death. The formal sentencing will take place on Thursday, allowing victims to share their statements before the judge imposes the sentence.
The jury, consisting of 12 members, had the challenging task of weighing the aggravating factors against the mitigating factors in the case. After careful consideration, they unanimously decided that the death penalty was appropriate. Judge Robert Colville commended the jury for their earnestness and seriousness in handling the enormous task before them.
The shooting occurred on October 27, 2018, during Shabbat morning services at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue. Bowers, armed with an AR-15 rifle and three handguns, opened fire. He killed 11 people and injured seven others. This tragic event marked the deadliest antisemitic attack in the history of the United States. The victims included worshippers from two other congregations, Dor Hadash and New Light, who shared the building with Tree of Life.
Following the verdict, family members, survivors, and members of the Jewish community expressed their gratitude to the jury. Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life synagogue emphasized the importance of the verdict in upholding the right to practice their faith without fear. Audrey Glickman, a survivor of the attack, saw the death penalty as a step in the right direction, believing it would eliminate the risk of further harm to society.
Survivor Martin Gaynor, who testified during the trial, highlighted the increasing antisemitism in the country and stressed the significance of enforcing the law. He emphasized that antisemitism and hate have no place in society and will not be tolerated. The defense attorneys for Bowers focused on his mental state, suggesting that he may have been driven by hate or schizophrenia. However, prosecutors argued that the gunman meticulously planned the attack, turning the synagogue into a “hunting ground.”
The formal sentencing will take place on Thursday, allowing victims to share their statements before the judge imposes the sentence.