Gunman’s hatred of Jews motivated Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, prosecutor tells jury

A truck driver who hated Jewish people turned a sacred house of worship into a “hunting ground” when he burst into a Pittsburgh synagogue and killed 11 congregants, a federal prosecutor says today, asking jurors to return a conviction in the US’s deadliest antisemitic attack.

Robert Bowers is charged with 63 criminal counts, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of the free exercise of religion resulting in death. Some of the charges carry a potential death sentence.

In closing arguments, a prosecutor tells the jury that Bowers targeted his victims because of their religion.

“He is filled with hatred for Jews,” prosecutor Mary Hahn says, noting Bowers had an extensive history of posting antisemitic and white supremacist content online. “That is what propelled him to act.”

Bowers’ attorney is expected to address the jury after the government finished its presentation, followed by jury deliberations.