Fact Check: "The 2018 Tree of Life attack killed 11 Jewish worshippers in Pittsburgh."
What We Know
On October 27, 2018, a mass shooting occurred at the Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, resulting in the deaths of 11 Jewish worshippers. This incident is noted as the deadliest attack on a Jewish community in American history (Pittsburgh synagogue shooting). The perpetrator, Robert Gregory Bowers, was armed with multiple firearms and opened fire during Shabbat morning services, targeting congregants from three different Jewish congregations that shared the synagogue space (Jury Recommends Sentence of Death for Pennsylvania).
The victims included individuals aged between 54 and 97, and the attack critically injured two others and wounded five police officers who responded to the scene (Jury Recommends Sentence of Death for Pennsylvania). Following a trial, Bowers was found guilty on 63 counts, including hate crimes resulting in death, and was recommended for the death penalty by a jury (Jury Recommends Sentence of Death for Pennsylvania).
Analysis
The claim that "The 2018 Tree of Life attack killed 11 Jewish worshippers in Pittsburgh" is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The New York Times reported on the attack shortly after it occurred, confirming the death toll of 11 individuals. The BBC also corroborated this information, emphasizing the attack's nature as driven by malice and hatred, which aligns with the established facts surrounding the incident.
The sources used in this fact-check are credible and well-regarded. The U.S. Department of Justice's report (Jury Recommends Sentence of Death for Pennsylvania) provides a detailed account of the trial and the events leading up to the attack, while the Wikipedia entry on the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting offers a comprehensive overview of the incident, including its historical context and aftermath. Both sources are factual and devoid of sensationalism, focusing on the tragic loss of life and the broader implications of antisemitic violence.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the 2018 Tree of Life attack killed 11 Jewish worshippers in Pittsburgh is accurate, supported by multiple credible sources that document the event and its consequences. The evidence clearly establishes that this tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, marking it as a significant and somber moment in American history concerning antisemitic violence.
Sources
- Jury Recommends Sentence of Death for Pennsylvania Man Convicted for Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting
- Pittsburgh synagogue shooting
- Tree of Life synagogue: Gunman driven by 'malice and hate'
- 11 Killed in Synagogue Massacre; Suspect Charged With Murder
- Mass shooter found guilty of murdering 11 people at Tree of Life
