NEW YORK, April 25 — A federal trial began yesterday for the alleged gunman who four years ago shot and killed 11 Jewish worshippers in the eastern US state of Pennsylvania.
Robert Bowers, who could face the death penalty if convicted, is accused of opening fire inside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018, reportedly yelling “All Jews must die!”
The jury, whose selection began yesterday, will decide whether to find Bowers guilty of the worst anti-Semitic attack in recent US history.
The incident occurred during Shabbat services and Bowers, 50, was arrested at the scene.
He was later charged with 63 counts, including hate crimes resulting in murder and attempted murder.
Members of three congregations in the synagogue were killed in the attack, and two additional worshipers and several police officers were also wounded.
Bowers had expressed strong anti-Semitic views over the internet ahead of the attack.
The attack added to fears about a resurgence of far-right extremists and neo-Nazis across the country.
Six months after the Tree of Life attack, another gunman opened fire in a synagogue in San Diego, California, killing one person and injuring three others during Passover ceremonies.
The suspected 19-year-old gunman was captured after fleeing the scene, and had apparently posted a hate-filled manifesto before his attack. — AFP
