USA: Shooter at synagogue in Pittsburgh remanded into custody without bail
A court in the United States has sent Robert Bowers, the man accused of shooting 11 Jewish people to death on Saturday, 27 October at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, into custody without the possibility of posting bail after formally charging him. He will appear in court on Thursday, when evidence will be submitted in the case.
The 46-year-old, who made no secret of his antisemitism on social networks before the attack, was brought to court in a wheelchair. When asked by the court, he confirmed that he comprehended the charges against him.
Prior to that questioning he had been released from the hospital where he was recovering from the gunshot injuries he sustained when police apprehended him. Bowers committed his attack on Saturday afternoon, when services were being held at the synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
One of the biggest Jewish communities in the state of Pennsylvania lives in that part of Pittsburgh. According to eyewitnesses, before beginning to fire his weapon he shouted that “All Jews must die!”
Approximately 2 500 people turned out to mourn the victims of the massacre in Pittsburgh on Sunday. The Associated Press reported that federal prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty for the shooter.
By law, that will necessitate the agreement of US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who called the shooting an attack on all people of faith, as Bowers, in his view, attacked not just the Jewish faith through this crime, but “America’s values of protecting those of faith.” The Attorney General said that “This cannot be and will not be tolerated.”
According to White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders, US President Donald Trump considers the attack a case of mass murder and condemns hatred and racism in all forms. Trump is scheduled to visit Pittsburgh with his wife Melania today to express his support at the site of the bloodshed for those who lost loved ones and were injured there.
