Pittsburgh Shooting Suspect Yelled ‘All Jews Must Die’ Before Opening Fire

Zachary Stieber
10/27/2018
Updated:
10/27/2018

The captured suspect in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting said that “All Jews must die.”

The suspect killed at least eight people at the Tree of Life synagogue on Oct. 27.
KDKA reported that he walked in initially yelling, “All Jews must die.”
The suspect had surrendered to police officers after also wounding three police officers, reported The Associated Press. The synagogue, one of the oldest and largest in the city, was full with a Saturday service. The suspect was injured.

Gab Profile

The suspect was identified as Robert Bowers by police officers speaking on police channels, reported independent journalist Nick Monroe. Bowers was also identified as the suspect by sources who spoke to KDKA.

Bowers appears to have been active on Gab, a social media website popular with people who have been kicked off of other social media sites.

In his profile, it says: “Jews are the children of Satan.”

(Robert Bowers/Gab)
(Robert Bowers/Gab)

Less than an hour before the shooting spree, Bowers posted on the website, saying: “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.”

HIAS is a nonprofit that describes itself as “helping refugees rebuild their lives in safety and sanity.”

Bowers also made or shared multiple anti-President Donald Trump posts. In one, he called Trump a “globalist” and said that Trump was not “winning.” In a comment on another, he said: “For the record, I did not vote for him.”

Officials Speak

Top officials including Trump spoke out about the shooting.
“Watching the events unfolding in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Law enforcement on the scene. People in Squirrel Hill area should remain sheltered. Looks like multiple fatalities. Beware of active shooter. God Bless All!” Trump said via Twitter.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf also posted a statement.

“We are still learning details about the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh but it is a serious situation. @PAStatePolice are assisting local first responders. Please stay away from the area and keep the congregants and law enforcement in your prayers,” he said.

From NTD.tv