A federal grand jury on Wednesday charged Robert Bowers in a 44-count indictment for the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that killed 11 people and injured six others including four police officers responding on scene.
The indictment alleges that Bowers drove to the Tree of Life Synagogue early on the morning of October 27, entered the building carrying multiple firearms, and opened fire killing and injuring multiple members of the congregation as well as responding public safety officers. The indictment also states that Bowers made statements while inside the synagogue about his desire to “kill Jews.”
The indictment presented to the Grand Jury includes additional charges for injuries and gun-related felonies not previously listed. The Grand Jury found on the evidence presented that Bowers committed these crimes intentionally. The Grand Jury further noted the firearms and ammunition confiscated at the scene as reference for the specific gun-related felonies.
The US District Attorney’s Office is still awaiting word on whether they will be allowed to pursue the death penalty. Bowers faces a preliminary hearing 10 AM Thursday.
The full counts now cover:
18 USC 247(a)(2) and 247(d)(1)
(Counts 1-11)
Obstruction of Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs Resulting in Death
18 USC 924(c)(1)(A)(i), 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), 924(c)(1)(A)(iii), 924(c)(1)(C), and 924(j)(1) (Counts 2-22)
Use and Discharge of a Firearm to Commit Murder During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
18 USC 247(a)(2), 247(d)(1), and 247(d)(3)
(Counts 23-24)
Obstruction of Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs Involving an Attempt to Kill and Use of a Dangerous Weapon, and Resulting in Bodily Injury
18 USC 924(c)(1)(A)(i), 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), 924(c)(1)(A)(iii), and 924(c)(1)(C)
(Counts 25-26)
Use and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
18 USC 247(a)(2), 247(d)(1), and 247(d)(3)
(Counts 27-34)
Obstruction of Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs Involving an Attempt to Kill and Use of a Dangerous Weapon, and Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Public Safety Officer
18 USC 247(a)(2) and 247(d)(3)
(Count 35)
Obstruction of Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs Involving Use of a Dangerous Weapon and Resulting in Bodily Injury to a Public Safety Officer
18 USC 924(c)(1)(A)(i), 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), 924(c)(1)(A)(iii), and 924(c)(1)(C)
(Counts 36-44)
Use and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence.