Shooter charged with federal crime
Washington, Oct. 28: Robert Bowers, 46, who stormed into a synagogue and shot worshippers in the US city of Pittsburgh, killing at least 11 people and injuring six others, including four policemen, surrendered after he was injured during an exchange of fire with the police.
A large number of people had gathered for a baby naming ceremony at the ‘Tree of Life’ Congregation Synagogue at Squirell Hill in Pittsburgh when the shooting took place.
Pittsburgh Public Safety director Wendell Hissrich said that 11 people were killed and six others injured including four policemen. He added that there were no children among fatalities or injured. Bowers, whose social media account reflected his hatred against the Jews, was charged with 29 counts of federal crimes of violence and firearms offenses, federal prosecutors said.
The charges include 11 counts of obstruction of exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death; and 11 counts of use of a firearm to commit murder during a crime of violence. “The crimes of violence are based upon the federal civil rights laws prohibiting hate crimes,” US attorney for Pennsylvania Scott W. Brady said. The FBI is investigating this as a “hate crime”. Before firing, Bowers reportedly yelled, “All Jews must die!”
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Bob Jones said the investigation was in its early stages and there was no knowledge if the shooter was known to the law enforcement till this date.
“Gunman targeted (people) because of their faith. At this time, we believe that he was acting alone,” he said.
Describing the mass
We are all, in truth, wounded by this inhuman act of violence. May the Lord help us put out the flames of hate that develop in our societies, strengthening the sense of humanity
— POPE FRANCIS
shooting as an “antisemitic act”, President Donald Trump called for death penalty for such shooters. “This wicked act of mass murder is pure evil, hard to believe, and frankly something that is unimaginable. Our nation and the world are shocked and stunned by the grief. This was an anti-semitic act,” he said.
Trump ordered that American flags be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, and all military bases till October 31 as a mark of “solemn respect” for the victims.. — PTI