Wednesday, October 23

US synagogue taking pictures: Truck driver convicted of killing 11 worshippers

A truck driver has been convicted of fatally taking pictures 11 worshippers at a synagogue within the deadliest assault on Jewish individuals within the US.

Seven others have been wounded, together with 5 law enforcement officials, after 50-year-old Robert Bowers opened fireplace with an assault rifle and different weapons in Pittsburgh.

Bowers was charged with 63 counts, together with hate crimes leading to demise and obstruction of the free train of faith leading to demise.

During his weeks-long trial, jurors heard testimony from survivors and proof of Bowers’ antisemitism, together with posts attacking Jews made on a far-right web site within the months earlier than the 27 October 2018 assault.

At the US District Court within the Pennsylvania metropolis, the jury convicted him of all prices.

The responsible verdict was not unsure after his attorneys conceded at first of the trial that he attacked and killed worshippers on the Tree of Life synagogue.

He might be sentenced to demise or face life in jail.

All 12 jurors should vote unanimously with a view to sentence Bowers to demise with the penalty part set to final a number of weeks.

His attorneys had supplied a responsible plea in return for a life time period in jail however prosecutors refused, selecting as an alternative to take the case to trial and pursue the demise penalty.

Most of the victims’ households expressed assist for the choice.

Prosecutors will attempt to present that aggravating elements have been concerned, making a case that Bowers fastidiously deliberate the assault and that he focused susceptible victims. Most of the victims have been aged.

Content Source: information.sky.com