Robert Bowers and the 2018 Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre
The Tree of Life Synagogue Attack
Robert Gregory Bowers carried out a deadly antisemitic attack at the Tree of Life-Or L'Simcha synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 27, 2018. The massacre occurred in the city's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, a community with deep Jewish roots. Eleven worshippers were murdered and several other people, including police officers, were wounded. The attack became the deadliest act of antisemitic violence against a Jewish community in United States history.
The synagogue building at 5898 Wilkins Avenue was shared by three congregations: Tree of Life-Or L'Simcha, New Light Congregation and Congregation Dor Hadash. On that Saturday morning, members of all three congregations were gathering for Shabbat services, prayer and religious study. Many of the people inside were older, longtime members who knew one another through decades of worship, friendship and community service.
Antisemitic Motive and Online Activity
Before the massacre, Bowers had repeatedly expressed hatred toward Jewish people through posts on the social-media platform Gab. His writings promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories, hostility toward immigrants and white-supremacist beliefs. He was particularly angered by HIAS, a Jewish humanitarian organization that assists refugees and immigrants.
Congregation Dor Hadash had previously participated in a refugee-focused religious program associated with HIAS. Shortly before beginning the attack, Bowers posted a message accusing HIAS of bringing dangerous "invaders" into the country. He concluded by announcing that he was going into action. The message, combined with his earlier posts and statements made during and after the shooting, demonstrated that the synagogue and its worshippers had been deliberately targeted because they were Jewish.
The Morning of October 27, 2018
At approximately 9:45 a.m., services and religious gatherings were underway in different parts of the synagogue. Tree of Life members were meeting in an upstairs chapel, New Light congregants were holding services in the basement and members of Dor Hadash were arriving for a Torah study session scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
Bowers arrived armed with a Colt AR-15 SP1 semiautomatic rifle and several Glock pistols chambered in .357 SIG. Additional ammunition and another firearm were found in his vehicle. At approximately 9:54 a.m., he entered the building and began firing at the people inside.
The first victims encountered near the entrance included brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal. The brothers were familiar and beloved figures at Tree of Life, where they regularly greeted worshippers. Bowers continued through the building, moving between floors and firing upon congregants who were attending services or trying to hide.
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