The man charged with murdering 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh last Saturday was indicted on 44 counts, including hate crimes, by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Robert Bowers, 46, of Baldwin, Pa., was indicted on 44-counts, including 11 counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death; 11 counts of use and discharge of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence; 2 counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury; 11 counts of use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; 8 counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon, and resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer; and 1 count of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer.
According to the indictment, Bowers drove to the Tree of Life Synagogue on Oct. 27 where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light Jewish congregations gathered to engage in religious worship. Bowers entered the building armed with multiple firearms, including Glock .357 handguns and a Colt AR-15 rifle. While inside, Bowers opened fire, killing and injuring members of the three congregations, as well as injuring multiple responding public safety officers, the indictment alleges. Bowers also made statements indicating his desire to “kill Jews,” according to the indictment.
“Hatred and violence on the basis of religion can have no place in our society,” U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “Every American has the right to attend their house of worship in safety. The defendant in this case allegedly murdered 11 innocent people during religious services and injured four law enforcement officers. These alleged crimes are incomprehensibly evil and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation. Therefore, this case is not only important to the victims and their loved ones, but to the city of Pittsburgh and the entire nation.”
Sessions voice his appreciation for the law enforcement on the scene.
“I want to express my thanks and admiration for the courage and professionalism of those officers who so quickly responded to this event, and especially to those that suffered wounds in the process,” Sessions said. “Our thanks is also extended to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the FBI, and the ATF for their outstanding response to this violent and deadly attack. The Department of Justice, working with our state and local partners, will bring the full force of the law against anyone who would violate the civil rights of the American people and we are resolutely determined to achieve justice in this case.”
Along with the 11 who were killed, two members of the congregation were critically injured, while four law enforcement officers were injured trying to stop Bowers’ rampage.
“Today begins the process of seeking justice for the victims of these hateful acts and healing for the victims’ families, the Jewish community, and our city. Our office will spare no resource, and will work with professionalism, integrity, and diligence, in a way that honors the memories of the victims,” U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Scott Brady said.
Bowers faces a maximum possible penalty of death, or life without parole, followed by a consecutive sentence of 535 years’ imprisonment.