Hate-Driven Attack: Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting as a Tragic Example of Anti-Semitic Violence

Abstract

Week8 Mass Shooting as Hate Crimes [Name] Hate crimes occur when the motive of the criminal is purely hate or a negative attitude towards the targets. In this regard, such a hate crime happened at the Tree of Life synagogue in [City, State], on October 27, 2018. The attack took place in the morning hours. It was during habbat services at the Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh; Robert Bowers entered the building heavily armed with an AR-15 rifle and at least three handguns. He proceeded to open fire on worshipers inside the synagogue during services, targeting anyone he encountered. It was a tragic event that specifically targeted at the Jewish community, making it a stark example of hate-motivated violence. Robert Bowers, a 46 year old man whose history of anti-Semitic view expression was well defined was the main perpetrator of this event. Basically, Bowers' online presence indicated strong anti-Jewish sentiments and conspiracy theories related to Jewish influence and immigration. To this effect, his attack on the Jewish community was purely triggered by his negative attitude and hatred towards them as he did not see them as his equal or as human that deserved peaceful coexistence with others. Since the perpetrator had expressed strong hatred for the Jewish community, it was quite open that his selection of the synagogue as the attack area aimed at affecting the people he hated. Basically, the targets were members of the congregation gathered for Sabbath prayers at the Tree of Life synagogue, which included men, women, and elderly individuals who had come together for their regular worship. The location of the crime scene best explain the choice of his target because the Tree of Life synagogue, was a prominent Jewish place of worship in Pittsburgh, known for its inclusive...