According to the criminal complaint filed against Bowers, he repeatedly stated his desire to kill Jewish people during the course of his deadly shooting and gunfight with responding officers. He told one law enforcement officer, “They’re committing genocide to my people. I just want to kill Jews.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania charged Bowers with 29 counts of federal crimes of violence and firearms offenses.
On Monday, Bowers briefly appeared at a federal court to face the charges against him.
After the hearing, U.S. Attorney Scott Brady issued a statement. He said, “On Saturday, October 27, 2018, my office charged Robert Bowers with federal murder and assault charges relative to the horrific acts of violence he committed at the Tree of Life synagogue. Today, Robert Bowers made his first appearance in federal court. The Judge advised him of the charges against him. He is detained in jail, without bond.”
In addition, Brady stated, “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims’ families and with the community. Rest assured, we have a team of prosecutors working hard to ensure that justice is done.”
