A third week of testimony in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial begins on Monday.
Last week’s proceedings featured testimony from law enforcement and first responders, as well as forensic experts who detailed the subsequent investigation of the alleged gunman, Robert Bowers.
Much of the testimony early in the week came from first responders, including police, SWAT and EMS. Medical examiners offered testimony about the extensive injuries suffered by the victims.
The FBI took the stand later in the week. One retired agent said it took more than 60 officials nine days to process the crime scene.
Prosecutors also presented evidence about defendant Robert Bowers’ antisemitic and white supremacist beliefs. A forensic examination of a phone registered to Bowers showed that it accessed a website where antisemitic content is common and not removed by moderators just moments before he allegedly entered the Tree of Life Synagogue and shot and killed 11 Jewish worshipers.
Other data gathered from the phone included what appeared to be a handful of selfies of Bowers, including one in which he is making a hand gesture that historically has meant “OK” but in recent years has become associated with white supremacists.
The trial is expected to last into July.
More WESA coverage of the trial:
- Paramedics describe rescuing survivors in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial (June 6, 2023)
- Medical examiner testifies to victims’ extensive injuries in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting (June 6, 2023)
- It took 60 FBI agents nine days to process the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting site (June 7, 2023)
- Robert Bowers' voice heard for first time during synagogue shooting trial (June 7, 2023)
- FBI finds picture of a white-power gesture on Robert Bowers’ phone (June 8, 2023)
- Alleged synagogue shooter’s residence had firearms and additional ammunition (June 9, 2023)
