PITTSBURGH, PA – Robert Bowers, the accused killer in the Tree of Life synagogue massacre that left 11 people dead on Saturday, was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday. The 44-count indictment includes hate crimes and prosecutors have indicated they plan to seek the death penalty.
Bowers, 46, of the Pittsburgh suburb of Baldwin, is currently in the Butler County Jail. He faces a preliminary hearing Thursday.
“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,” U.S. Attorney Scott Brady said in a statement. “Our office will spare no resource, and will work with professionalism, integrity and diligence, in a way that honors the memories of the victims.”
Specifically, the indictment charges:
• Eleven counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death;
• Eleven counts of use and discharge of a firearm to commit murder during and in relation to a crime of violence;
• Two 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;
• Eleven counts of use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence;
• Eight 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
• One 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.
Photo via Butler County Jail.
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