Closing arguments commenced Thursday in the federal trial of Robert Bowers, the truck driver accused of perpetrating the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.

Bowers faces 63 charges, including hate crimes resulting in death and obstruction of religious freedom resulting in death, some of which are capital offenses. The attack on October 27, 2018, claimed the lives of 11 worshippers and injured seven others, including five police officers.

The prosecution presented evidence over 11 days, detailing Bowers' extensive engagement with antisemitic and white supremacist content on the social media platform Gab. They argued that this online activity fueled his hatred of Jewish people and motivated the attack.

The image above depicts the Pittsburgh courthouse where the trial is taking place. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

While Bowers' defense team admitted his involvement in the attack, they challenged the prosecution's assertion regarding his primary motive. They suggested Bowers acted on a delusional belief that Jewish people were aiding refugees, thereby contributing to what he perceived as genocide, rather than being driven solely by antisemitism.

The jury is expected to begin deliberations shortly, and if a guilty verdict is reached, the trial will proceed to a penalty phase. During this phase, the same jury will determine whether Bowers receives a life sentence or the death penalty. The defense's primary objective has been to secure a life sentence for their client.