Jury rules: synagogue shooter gets death penalty

Final Verdict in Synagogue Shooting

The jury ruled on Wednesday that Robert Bowers should be sentenced to death. In 2018, he walked into a Squirrel Hill synagogue during Shabbat services and shot and killed 11 worshipers from three congregations: Dor Hadash, New Light, and Tree of Life. Six others were injured. He was found guilty earlier this summer on 63 federal counts, including 11 counts of a hate crime that resulted in death. Additional sentencing will follow for charges not eligible for the death penalty. [Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle / TribLIVE]

“They were killed because they were Jews. Our public discourse in this country has shifted to allow antisemitism and white supremacy into the mainstream. Our elected officials and the media need to combat white supremacist lies that the ‘white race’ is in danger of being replaced and Jews are to blame. And easy access to guns allows hate-filled people to make their antisemitic beliefs deadly. Politicians, legislators, religious leaders, and others in positions of power must recognize that their rhetoric has power and renounce such bigotry and hatred. We must all learn to recognize antisemitism, which can surface in a wide range of speech and conduct, and call it out each and every time we see it.”

- Statement from Congregation Dor Hadash

City Cast Pittsburgh lead producer Mallory Falk, who grew up attending services at Tree of Life, and podcast host Megan Harris, responded to the news in an extra episode on Wednesday evening. Hear about the verdict, then stay tuned for a two-part series next week that looks more deeply into our local Jewish community, what happened in 2018, and what happens next.

Take Care of Yourself and Your Neighbors

“We can all take responsibility for caring for each other’s mental health. Healing is not a linear process. Some people may experience trauma from the trial, and some people who have healed may experience setbacks; all of these feelings are normal, and everyone should feel comfortable seeking mental health resources if they need.”

- Director of the 10.27 Healing Partnership Maggie Feinstein

Last year, Mallory Falk spoke with Maggie Feinstein about how to process heavy emotions and honor the memory of those we lost.

The City Cast Pittsburgh team extends their love and thoughts to the survivors, first responders, and anyone impacted by this tragedy.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health effects from the trial, visit 1027healingpartnership.org to find resources.

🍻 Beer at the Bosque | Friday-Saturday | Various Times

Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and Eleventh Hour Brewing in Schenley Plaza for music, lawn games, and a limited-edition Schenley Park Brew. [free, Oakland]

🏡 Observatory Hill Neighbor Friday | Friday | 6-8 p.m.

BYOB and meet your neighbors at 2945 Perrysville Ave. [free, Observatory Hill]

🚲 POGOH Community Ride | Saturday | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Join Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club for a bike ride past several murals, statues, and through historic sections. [free, Hill District]

🐈 Wine, Whiskers & Trivia | Saturday | 6-8:30 p.m

Sample wine while testing your cat knowledge with Kitty Queen Cat Rescue. 21+ [$20, West View]

The Best Eats At VegFest

The city’s biggest celebration of all things vegan, animal advocacy, and environmental friendliness takes over Allegheny Commons Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City Cast Pittsburgh crew has you covered with a full day of noms and veggie-forward recommendations. Plus, I’m sharing my four essential rules for making the most of VegFest.