Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre: Accused Killer's Trial Begins

PITTSBURGH, PA — Testimony began Tuesday in the trial of Robert Bowers, the man charged with committing the deadliest antisemitic attack in the nation's history.

Bowers, 50, is accused of bursting into the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill in October 2018 and killing 11 congregants. He faces 63 charges, including multiple charges of hate crimes resulting in death, according to the Department of Justice; if convicted, he could receive the death penalty.

Bowers allegedly drove to the synagogue, where members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash and New Light congregations gathered to worship. He entered the building armed with multiple firearms, killed and injured members of the three congregations, as well as injuring multiple responding police officers as they attempted to rescue surviving victims.

Bowers reportedly had offered to plead guilty to the crimes in return for a life sentence, but prosecutors decided to pursue a potential death penalty in the case.

The trial's early moments included defense attorney Judy Clarke acknowledging that Bowers went to the synagogue and "shot every person he saw."

“There is no making sense of this senseless act," Clarke said. "Mr. Bowers caused extraordinary harm to many, many people.”

Prosecutors began presenting their case by playing a 911 call from Bernice Simon, who reported “we’re being attacked!” at the synagogue and that her husband, Sylvan, had been shot.

Shannon Basa-Sabol, the dispatcher who took that call, testified she advised Bernice Simon to find the wound and stanch the bleeding. Then the dispatcher heard additional gunfire and screaming as Bernice, too, was shot. Neither Simon survived.

Seated at the defense table, Bowers showed no reaction.

Twelve jurors and six alternates, chosen last week during a month-long process in which more than 200 candidates were questioned, are hearing the case.

This report contains information from the Associated Press.