The Pittsburgh man accused of killing 11 Jewish worshipers in a synagogue Saturday appeared in federal court Monday.
Robert Bowers, 46, faces 29 federal charges that federal law enforcement officials said could result in the suspect’s execution.
A handcuffed Bowers was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair by US marshals wearing latex gloves.
Bowers allegedly traded gunfire with law enforcement officers during Saturday’s attack and was shot multiple times before surrendering. He underwent surgery and survived.
Three congregations were conducting Sabbath services at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh when the attack began on Saturday morning. Bowers allegedly entered the synagogue carrying three high-powered handguns and an AR-15 assault rifle, carrying out the mass killing while shouting antisemitic slurs.
Among his charges, Bowers faces 11 counts of murdering victims exercising their religious beliefs.
The US attorney for the western district of Pennsylvania has reportedly sought federal guidance for pursuing the death penalty against Bowers.
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