© 2023 90.5 WESA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Contact 90.5 WESA with a story idea or news tip: news@wesa.fm

Feds Seek Death Penalty In Tree Of Life Shooting

robert_bowers.jpg
Dave Klug
/
AP

Federal prosecutors want a man accused of killing 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue to face a death sentence. 

The U.S. attorney's office in Pittsburgh filed a notice of intent Monday to seek the death penalty against 46-year-old Robert Bowers in last year's attack .

The government filing says justification for a death sentence includes allegations of substantial planning and premeditation, the vulnerability and number of victims, and a motivation of religious hostility.

Bowers is accused of using an AR-15 rifle and other weapons to target worshippers inside the Tree of Life synagogue in October.

Police say he expressed hatred of Jews during and after what was the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history.

He has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial. His lawyers didn't return messages seeking comment.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.
To make informed decisions, the public must receive unbiased truth.

As Southwestern Pennsylvania’s only independent public radio news and information station, we give voice to provocative ideas that foster a vibrant, informed, diverse and caring community.

WESA is primarily funded by listener contributions. Your financial support comes with no strings attached. It is free from commercial or political influence…that’s what makes WESA a free vital community resource. Your support funds important local journalism by WESA and NPR national reporters.

You give what you can, and you get news you can trust.
Please give now to continue providing fact-based journalism — a monthly gift of just $5 or $10 makes a big difference.