- Around five years after an attack on a synagogue in the US city of Pittsburgh, the shooter has been sentenced to death.
- This was reported by several media unanimously.
- The anti-Semitic shooter shot eleven people in October 2018.
- It is the first death sentence at the federal level under President Biden, who said during the election campaign that he wanted to abolish the penalty.
In June, the 50-year-old had already been found guilty on all 63 charges. The anonymous jury convicted him, among other things, of hate crimes that resulted in death.
Legend:
The convicted, now 50-year-old, shot eleven people around five years ago.
Dave Klug via AP
He showed little reaction when the death penalty was announced. He gave only brief tributes to his legal team and family as he was escorted out of the courtroom.
At the naming ceremony
In October 2018, the man entered the Tree of Life synagogue during a ceremony to name a baby on the Sabbath day, armed with an assault rifle and at least three hand grenades, according to authorities. He then opened fire and is said to have “All Jews must die!” have yelled. He killed eleven people.
A death sentence is not an easy decision. But we must hold accountable those who want to commit such terrible acts.
The family of a 97-year-old woman killed in the assassination and her daughter, who was shot, thanked the jury and said “justice has been served”. The family said in a written statement after the sentencing: “A death sentence is not an easy decision. But we must hold accountable those who seek to commit such horrific acts of anti-Semitism, hatred and violence.”
Legend:
In memory of those who died after the massacre in front of the “Tree of Life” synagogue. (Picture from 10/29/2018)
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
The act was the deadliest anti-Semitic crime in US history.