Evidence presented in the federal death penalty trial of Robert Bowers, the perpetrator of the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, reveals a history of intense antisemitism expressed on social media. Prosecutors aim to demonstrate that Bowers' deep-seated hatred of Jewish people fueled the attack, which claimed the lives of 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue. This act remains the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.

Bowers, a 50-year-old truck driver, faces 63 charges, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of religious freedom resulting in death, some of which are capital offenses. Now in its third week, the trial has focused on Bowers' activity on Gab, a social media platform known for its popularity with the far right. The prosecution presented numerous examples of Bowers' posts, likes, and shares demonstrating his antisemitic views. His profile declared "Jews are the children of Satan," and he frequently engaged with content vilifying Jewish people, referring to them as "public enemy number one" and endorsing Hitler and the Holocaust. One shared image stated, "the only good Jew is a dead Jew."

A prayer book, damaged in the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, serves as a stark reminder of the tragedy. Robert Bowers, the accused shooter, allegedly used social media to disseminate antisemitic rhetoric and violent threats targeting Jews. (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania via AP)

On the morning of the attack, Bowers posted about HIAS, a Jewish refugee resettlement agency that had collaborated with Dor Hadash, one of the congregations housed within the Tree of Life building. His post read: "HIAS likes to bring invaders in that kill our people. I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I’m going in."

While Bowers' defense team admits he committed the shooting, they are contesting the prosecution's claim that religious hatred was the primary motive. They argue that Bowers acted on a delusional belief that Jews were facilitating genocide by assisting immigrants entering the U.S.

Survivor testimonies have recounted the horror of the attack, describing Bowers' rampage through the synagogue. Police officers who engaged in a firefight with Bowers, resulting in his surrender after being shot three times, also provided testimony. Seven individuals, including five police officers, were wounded in the attack.