Published August 27. 2019 10:48AM
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Federal prosecutors want a man accused of killing 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue to face a death sentence.
The U.S. attorney's office in Pittsburgh filed a notice of intent Monday to seek the death penalty against 46-year-old Robert Bowers in last year's attack.
The government filing says justification for a death sentence includes allegations of substantial planning and premeditation, the vulnerability and number of victims, and a motivation of religious hostility.
Bowers is accused of using an AR-15 rifle and other weapons to target worshippers inside the Tree of Life synagogue in October.
Police say he expressed hatred of Jews during and after what was the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history.
He has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial. His lawyers didn't return messages seeking comment.
FILE - This undated Pennsylvania Department of Transportation photo shows Robert Bowers. Bowers is charged with killing 11 worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue. The U.S. attorney's office in Pittsburgh filed a notice of intent Monday, Aug. 26, 2019 to seek the death penalty against Bowers in last year's attack. (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation via AP, File)