Robert Bowers, the man behind the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in U.S. history, was found guilty on Friday of a hate-filled shooting rampage in a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018.
The attack claimed 11 lives and has been a focal point of national attention.
Bowers was convicted on all 63 charges, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of religious practice resulting in death.
Bowers’ legal team conceded his guilt at the trial’s outset.
The verdict, therefore, was anticipated and leaves the court to decide whether Bowers, 50, should be sent to death row or receive a life sentence without parole.
Prosecutors had rejected a plea deal from the defense offering a guilty plea in exchange for a life sentence, instead pushing for the death penalty—a decision largely supported by the victims’ families.
Survivor and Tree of Life Rabbi, Jeffrey Myers, expressed his gratitude saying, “I am grateful to God for getting us to this day.”
He thanked law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney who defended his right to practice religion.
The jury took about five hours over two days to reach the verdict.
Bowers, showing little emotion, was present in the courtroom along with several survivors and relatives of the victims.
Prosecutors emphasized Bowers’ deep-rooted antisemitism and animosity toward immigrants.
They presented his posts on Gab, a pro-free speech social media platform, where he reportedly posted antisemitic content and praised Hitler.
Bowers was also quoted saying that “all these Jews need to die.”
The next phase of the trial, scheduled to start on June 26, will involve survivors and relatives of the victims speaking about the impact of Bowers’ crimes.
The defense, which did not argue his innocence during the trial, plans to focus on sparing his life, suggesting Bowers suffers from schizophrenia, epilepsy, and brain impairments, and his actions were driven by a delusional belief rather than religious hatred.
