Pittsburgh Police Department
Robert Bowers, a 46-year-old antisemitist, was identified and arrested as the alleged gunman who opened up on The Tree of Life, a Pittsburgh synagogue in the city’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Bowers open-fired on a service, killing at least 10 and wounding an additional three police officers on the scene before surrendering and being taken into custody.
In today’s politically charged climate — especially after Cesar Altieri Sayoc Jr. was arrested for sending multiple explosive devices to prominent Democrats from his MAGA-themed van — people began wondering whether Bowers was a left- or right-leaning extremist.
As it turns out, Bowers had no political affiliation.
According to the Pennsylvania voter registration database, Bowers was an “unaffiliated voter.”
On his social media accounts, you can also see that Bowers was very anti-Trump. In various messages, Bowers accused Trump of being a “globalist,” accused him of being too liberal, and even claimed that he did not vote for the current president.
Robert Bowers, Gab
David Bowers, Gab
Bowers is currently in police custody.
What Happened?
Robert Bowers entered The Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill tunnel where he opened fired on a full congregation. After taking multiple lives and exchanging gunfire with police, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.
KDKA’s Andy Sheehan says police sources informed him the gunman walked into the building and yelled, “All Jews Must die.”
The incident began around 10:45 a.m. ET. The synagogue was preparing for a service at the time police received calls that members of the congregation were barricaded inside. Multiple casualties were immediately reported, with numbers ranging from 4 to 7.
Police exchanged gunfire with the suspected gunman, with three officers getting wounded.
Where Is The Tree Of Life Synagogue?
Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha is a traditional, progressive and egalitarian Jewish congregation located in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
The website states, “Tree of Life Congregation was founded more than 150 years ago, Or L’Simcha about 5 years ago. In 2010, the two Pittsburgh congregations merged to form Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha. As a conservative Jewish congregation, Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha remains true to traditional teachings, yet is also progressive and relevant to the way we live today.”
The synagogue is located on the corner of Wilkins and Shady Avenue.