Survivors tell of hiding in fear as shots rang out

Death penalty sought for synagogue killer

Survivors have been recounting the terror of hiding in a cupboard during the massacre that left 11 people dead at a Pittsburgh synagogue – and asking why the gunman blamed them for the world’s problems.

Suspect Robert Gregory Bowers is expected to appear in federal court after the mass shooting on Saturday morning.

Authorities say he expressed hatred toward Jews during the rampage and in later comments to police.

US attorney Scott Brady said federal prosecutors intend to pursue the death penalty.

Barry Werber said members of the Tree of Life Synagogue’s New Light Congregation were in the basement beginning to pray when they heard crashing from upstairs. They looked out, and saw a body on the staircase.

Mr Werber said he called 911 but was afraid to say anything for fear of making noise as gunshots echoed out.

Rabbi Jonathan Perlman closed the door and pushed them into a large supply cupboard, he said.

When the shots subsided, he said, 88-year-old Melvin Wax opened the door, only to be shot and fall back inside.

“There were three shots, and he (Mr Wax) falls back into the room where we were,” he said. “The gunman walks in.”

Apparently unable to see in the darkness, Bowers walked back out.

Mr Werber, 76, said of the gunman: “I don’t know why he thinks the Jews are responsible for all the ills in the world, but he’s not the first and he won’t be the last.”

Bowers opened fire with an AR-15 rifle and other weapons, killing eight men and three women before police tracked him down and shot him.

He apparently posted an antisemitic message on social media a few minutes before allegedly opening fire.

Bowers expressed hatred of Jews during the rampage and later told police that “I just want to kill Jews” and that “all these Jews need to die”, authorities said.

Six people were injured, including four officers.

Bowers has been released from hospital after surgery.

“He thinks Jews are responsible for all the ill sin the world”