Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting

Overview

On October 27, 2018, a horrific act of violence unfolded at the Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha Congregation in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This tragic event marked a dark chapter in American history, as it became the deadliest attack on a Jewish community in the United States. A right-wing extremist perpetrated the attack during Shabbat morning services, killing eleven people and injuring six others.

Quick Facts

• Location: Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha Congregation, 5898 Wilkins Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Coordinates: 40.44361°N 79.92139°W
• Date: October 27, 2018
• Time: 9:54 – 11:08 a.m. (EDT)
• Attack Type: Mass shooting
• Weapons Used:
  • Colt AR-15 SP1 semi-automatic rifle
  • Three Glock .357 SIG semi-automatic pistols (only one used)
  • Mossberg model 590A1 12-gauge pump-action shotgun (unused)
• Death Toll: 11
• Injured: 7 (including the perpetrator)
• Perpetrator: Robert Gregory Bowers
• Motive: Antisemitism, Holocaust denial, belief in the white genocide conspiracy theory, white supremacy
• Verdict: Guilty on all counts
• Convictions: 63 federal criminal counts
• Charges: 36 state criminal counts
• Sentence: Death by lethal injection

The Perpetrator

The gunman, Robert Bowers, a 46-year-old resident of Baldwin, Pennsylvania, had a troubling history. He was known for his antisemitic views, which he openly expressed on the social media platform Gab. Just before the attack, Bowers posted a message condemning the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), claiming they were bringing "invaders" into the country. Bowers's online activity reflected a growing radicalization towards white nationalism.

On the day of the massacre, Bowers prepared meticulously. He booted up a custom Linux-based computer at 8:57 a.m., initiating a process that would erase data on his hard drives after a timed countdown. His intent was clear: to leave behind as little evidence as possible.

Background of the Congregation

The Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha Congregation is a Conservative Jewish synagogue in Squirrel Hill, a neighborhood that has historically been the heart of Pittsburgh's Jewish community. Founded in 1864, the congregation describes itself as traditional, progressive, and egalitarian. The synagogue houses three congregations: Tree of Life, New Light, and Dor Hadash, with services held simultaneously on Saturday mornings.

Squirrel Hill is known for its low crime rate and is predominantly Jewish, with about 26% of Pittsburgh's Jewish population residing there. However, it’s important to note that the area has experienced antisemitic incidents in the past, including the murder of a rabbinical student in 1986.

The Shooting

At 9:45 a.m. on that fateful Saturday, three different congregational services were underway. As worshippers gathered, Bowers parked his car in a disabled parking space outside the synagogue, loaded with a cache of weapons: five guns, ammunition, hearing protection, and shooting glasses. At 9:49 a.m., he made one last post on Gab, declaring his intent to act.

Just minutes later, at approximately 9:54 a.m., Bowers opened fire through a window before entering the building. The first victims he encountered were Jerry Rabinowitz and Daniel Leger, both medical professionals who rushed downstairs to check on the noise. Bowers shot Rabinowitz dead and severely injured Leger.

As the chaos erupted, congregants scrambled to hide from the gunfire. Bowers continued his rampage, moving from the lower mezzanine to the Pervin Chapel, where he shot worshippers, including Sylvan Simon and his wife Bernice, who was on the phone with 911 as the attack unfolded.

The police began receiving emergency calls almost immediately, with terrified congregants barricading themselves inside. Bowers fired indiscriminately, shouting, “All Jews must die!” as he moved through the sanctuary.

Police Response

Pittsburgh police officers arrived at the scene quickly, but the situation escalated. Bowers engaged in a gunfight with responding officers, injuring two of them. After a prolonged standoff, he retreated and barricaded himself inside the building. By 11:08 a.m., he was finally apprehended after being shot multiple times during another exchange of gunfire with tactical teams.

Victims

The massacre resulted in the tragic loss of eleven lives, each representing a unique story and legacy. The victims were:

• Joyce Fienberg, 75, a retired University of Pittsburgh research specialist
• Richard Gottfried, 65, a dentist
• Rose Mallinger, 97, a lifelong congregant
• Jerry Rabinowitz, 65, a family physician
• Cecil Rosenthal, 59, and David Rosenthal, 54, brothers who lived together in a community home for people with disabilities
• Bernice Simon, 84, and Sylvan Simon, 86, a couple married at Tree of Life
• Daniel Stein, 71, a retired salesman and substitute teacher
• Melvin Wax, 87, a retired accountant leading services at the time
• Irving Younger, 69, a retired real estate owner and synagogue greeter

Additionally, seven people were injured in the attack, including both congregants and police officers.

Criminal Proceedings

Federal Charges

Bowers was charged with numerous federal crimes, including hate crimes and obstruction of the exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death. He appeared in federal court on October 29, 2018, where he was ordered held without bail. Initially indicted on 44 counts, his charges grew to 63 after additional indictments were filed.

Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Bowers pleaded not guilty. His defense team sought a plea deal that would spare his life in exchange for a guilty plea, but federal prosecutors were adamant about pursuing the death penalty.

Trial and Sentencing

The trial began on May 30, 2023, and lasted over two weeks, featuring testimonies from survivors and law enforcement. Prosecutors presented chilling evidence, including 911 call recordings and photographs of the scene. Ultimately, on June 16, 2023, Bowers was found guilty on all counts.

During the sentencing phase, the jury deliberated whether to impose the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. On August 2, 2023, Bowers was sentenced to death, marking him as the first person to receive a federal death sentence under President Biden’s administration.

Community and National Reactions

The shooting ignited a wave of grief and solidarity, both locally and nationally. Vigils were held across the country, including significant gatherings in Pittsburgh, where over 3,000 people attended a candlelight vigil just hours after the attack.

In response to the tragedy, the Jewish community and various organizations rallied to enhance security measures at synagogues nationwide. The U.S. government allocated substantial funding to improve safety for Jewish institutions, highlighting the urgent need to combat rising antisemitism.

Prominent figures, including President Donald Trump and local leaders, condemned the attack, but the political discourse surrounding the event also sparked controversy. Many community members believed that the rhetoric from political figures contributed to an environment conducive to such violence.

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh synagogue shooting serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing battle against hate and the importance of community resilience. As the Jewish community continues to heal, the memory of the victims remains a powerful call to action against antisemitism and violence.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting