Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial begins: Here's what to know.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Nearly five years after 11 worshippers were shot and killed while attending services at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, the trial for the accused gunman is set to begin with jury selection taking place starting on Monday morning.
On Oct. 27, 2018, a normal Saturday in Squirrel Hill became an unimaginable nightmare when a gunman opened fire inside the Tree of Life Synagogue, killing 11 people and injuring several others.
The accused gunman, Robert Bowers, is accused of opening fire with an assault rifle and other weapons during worship services inside the building, killing eight men and three women from three different congregations.
LIVE UPDATES: Click here for ongoing live developments from the Joseph F. Weis, Jr. United States Federal Courthouse during the trial.
Jury selection beginning in federal trial
The process of selecting a jury for the trial of the accused gunman began Monday morning.
The first prospective juror was asked about her opinion on the death penalty. The selection process is expected to take about three weeks.
The suspect was in the courtroom on Monday morning. He was seen reading papers from one of his lawyers.
The federal judge and Assistant U.S. Attorney Soo C. Song continued to meet with potential jurors during the morning hours.
Last week, attorneys from both sides of the case met to discuss the process of how potential jurors will be selected over the next few weeks.
The suspect could face the death penalty should he be found guilty in the case.
His defense team has worked to have the death penalty taken off of the table in the case, but to date, prosecutors have not rescinded their plans to seek capital punishment.
If convicted, a judge has ordered separate sentencing phases.
A Look Back At Oct. 27, 2018
Pittsburgh's darkest day began as a rainy and dreary October morning like any other in the fall -- but the world's eyes would soon turn to Squirrel Hill, as unthinkable hatred shattered one of the city's most peaceful neighborhoods.
After multiple reports were made of a gunman inside the synagogue, Pittsburgh SWAT officers arrived on scene, formed a small team and entered the building.
Officers began searching the third floor of the synagogue when they encountered the gunman again, who opened fire on the SWAT team. One officer was critically wounded when he was shot multiple times and another officer was also shot multiple times.
The remaining SWAT officers engaged the gunman while the two injured officers were carried outside to Pittsburgh Paramedics.
Before being taken into custody, the accused shooter was injured in the exchange of gunfire. After being taken into custody, the suspect made statements to an officer that he wanted all Jews to die and also that Jews were committing genocide on his people, according to authorities.
Remembering the Victims
Eleven worshippers from three congregations (Congregation Dor Hadash, New Light Congregation, and Tree of Life Congregation) were killed in the shooting, the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States.
The 11 victims were mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cherished friends.
The future for the Tree of Life synagogue
The Tree of Life congregation in Squirrel Hill held a ceremony on Sunday to take a moment to reflect and remember ahead of future renovations and the upcoming trial.
The site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history will soon become a complex that memorializes those murdered and educates folks about antisemitism.
The sanctuary will be renovated while other parts of the campus will be demolished.
There is no timetable on when the project will be completed.
Support available for those in need during the trial
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health effects from the trial, go to 1027healingpartnership.org to find help resources. As always, call 911 to report threats.
Phone: 412-697-3534
Email: info@1027HealingPartnership.org
Website: 1027healingpartnership.org
