Robert Bowers and the 2018 Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre
Overview
On October 27, 2018, Robert Gregory Bowers carried out one of the deadliest attacks on the Jewish community in the United States. Armed with multiple firearms, including an AR-15 style rifle and handguns, Bowers entered the Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During the attack, which took place on a Saturday morning as congregants gathered for worship services, Bowers shouted antisemitic slurs and opened fire on those inside.
The Attack
The shooting began shortly after 9:45 a.m. when Bowers entered the building where three congregations were holding services: Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light. Within minutes, he shot indiscriminately, killing 11 worshippers and wounding 6 others, including four responding police officers. The massacre lasted until police engaged in a gun battle and successfully apprehended Bowers after he was injured. He later admitted to his hatred of Jews, both at the scene and in online postings leading up to the attack.
Victims
The following are the names of the victims who were killed in the Tree of Life synagogue shooting on October 27, 2018:
- Joyce Fienberg, 75
- Richard Gottfried, 65
- Rose Mallinger, 97
- Jerry Rabinowitz, 66
- Cecil Rosenthal, 59
- David Rosenthal, 54
- Bernice Simon, 84
- Sylvan Simon, 86
- Daniel Stein, 71
- Melvin Wax, 88
- Irving Younger, 69
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