Sessions: Death Penalty On The Table For Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooter
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Saturday that the Justice Department is filing federal hate crime charges that could lead to the death penalty for Robert Bowers, the 46-year-old man who murdered 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue.
“These alleged crimes are reprehensible and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation. Accordingly, the Department of Justice will file hate crimes and other criminal charges against the defendant, including charges that could lead to the death penalty,” Sessions said.
“Today 11 innocent people were suddenly and viciously murdered during religious services and several law enforcement officers were shot.” (RELATED: Pittsburgh Shooting Suspect Identified As Robert Bowers)
Armed with an AK-47 and two handguns, Bowers opened fire at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburghs Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Witnesses report that he yelled “All Jews must die!” as he opened fire on the congregation.
Police officers guard the Tree of Life synagogue following shooting at the synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S., October 27, 2018. REUTERS/John Altdorfer
Several police officers who responded to the attack were injured. Bowers was arrested after surrendering to police.
A social media account operated by Bowers showed that he spread anti-Semitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories.
President Trump called the attacks devastating and said that the gunman must “pay the ultimate price.”
President Trump speaks for the first time after Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: “Its a terrible, terrible thing whats going on with hate in our country, frankly, and all over the world, and something has to be done” https://t.co/hmkCGdFSF4 pic.twitter.com/j4t37kkNQP
— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 27, 2018
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