Robert Bowers, the suspect behind the killing of 11 Jewish worshippers on Saturday morning at the Tree of Life*Or’L’Simcha Synagogue in Pittsburgh, was charged on Wednesday in a 44-count indictment that accuses the 46-year-old of federal hate crimes.
The indictment states that while inside the synagogue, Bowers indicated his desire to “kill Jews,” yelling “All Jews must die.”
“[The acts] are incomprehensibly evil and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation,” said U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in announcing the indictment. “Therefore, this case is not only important to the victims and their loved ones, but to the city of Pittsburgh and the entire nation.”
If convicted, Bowers could face the death penalty.