Synagogue Shooter Can Face Death Penalty

May 4, 2023 2:27 am

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The man charged in the deadliest attack on Jewish people in U.S. history has lost a bid to get the death penalty removed as a possible punishment. Robert Bowers is accused of gunning down 11 worshipers at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018. Jury selection is underway at his federal trial. Lawyers for Bowers argue the Justice Department is pursuing the death penalty against Bowers in an arbitrary manner. A federal judge ruled against the defense Tuesday, leaving the death penalty on the table. More than 100 potential jurors have been questioned by prosecutors and the defense, with a heavy focus on their views on a potential death sentence.