Accused Tree Of Life Killer Pleads Not Guilty To New Charges

PITTSBURGH, PA - Accused Tree of Life synagogue shooter Robert Bowers on Monday pleaded
not guilty to additional federal charges related to the October 27 massacre in which 11 people died.

Bowers is accused of driving to the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light Jewish congregations were gathered to worship.

According to a federal indictment, Bowers, 46, of Baldwin entered the building armed with multiple firearms, including three Glock .357 handguns and a Colt AR-15 rifle. He opened fire on the three congregations and injured multiple police officers as they attempted to rescue surviving victims.

The indictment alleges that earlier in October, Bowers posted statements on the website gab.com that were critical of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) and affiliated congregations hosting refugee-related events. That list of congregations included the Dor Hadash Jewish congregation of Pittsburgh.

Before entering Tree of Life on the day of the shootings, Bowers posted the following on the website gab.com: "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."

Bowers faces:

• Eleven counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death;

• Eleven counts of hate crimes resulting in death;

• Two counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill
and use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury;

• Two counts of hate crimes involving an attempt to kill;

• Eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving an attempt to kill and use of a dangerous weapon, and resulting in bodily injury to public safety officers;

• Four counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs involving use of a dangerous weapon and resulting in bodily injury to public safety officers;

• Twenty-five counts of discharge of a firearm during these crimes of violence.

Photo: Butler County Prison.

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