Suspect posted ‘I’m going in’
Reportedly had history of anti-Semitic online comments
The man accused of shooting and killing nearly a dozen and injuring several more at a Pittsburgh synagogue yesterday had a history of anti-Semitic and conspiratorial social posts and wrote “I’m going in” shortly before the shooting, according to authorities and media reports. “HIAS likes to bring invaders in that kill our people. I can't sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I'm going in,” wrote Robert Bowers, 46, on the social media site Gab shortly before the shooting, referring to a nonprofit group that helps refugees around the world find safety and freedom. The organization says it is guided by Jewish values and history. Bowers allegedly made anti-Semitic statements after his arrest, according to CNN, and wrote a number of anti-Semitic posts on social media, including using anti-Semitic slurs. He also posted about QAnon, a conspiracy theory that centers on President Trump. Bowers reportedly said he did not vote for Trump. Bowers’ biography on the account included “Jews are the children of Satan.” HIAS President and CEO Mark Hetfield said he wasn’t aware of the shooter’s “obsession with HIAS until this morning.” Bowers also recently posted a photo of a collection of three semi-automatic handguns he titled “my glock family,” a reference to the firearms manufacturer. He also posted photos of bullet holes in person-sized targets at a firing range, touting the “amazing trigger” on a handgun he was offering for sale. Gab said in a statement that it suspended the alleged gunman’s account, backed up the content and notified the FBI. Gab says its mission is to defend free expression and individual liberty online for all people. The social media site is popular with far-right extremists. Bowers, who has a license to carry a firearm, was not known to authorities, according to Bob Jones, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s office in Pittsburgh. Jones said Bowers appears to have been acting alone, and said his full motive is not yet known. Bowers reportedly entered the synagogue with a rifle and three handguns. Bowers does not appear to have a significant criminal history, according to reports. Police in Dormont, Pa., said they had a number of contacts with Bowers in the 1990s, but would not describe the nature of those interactions, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.