Choosing Unity in the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Trial
By Sydney Mahmood, PADP intern
Photo depicting trial by Dave Klug from Associated Press
Just a few minutes ago, Robert Bowers was sentenced to death for committing the worst antisemitic attack in US history. As a rising senior studying psychology and criminal justice at Pitt, I feel burdened with the knowledge that a death sentence is only the beginning.
If the prosecution had not sought the death penalty, we would’ve had closure. Shame on them for valuing a notch in their belt over seeking restoration. His guilty plea meant he wouldn’t be able to appeal the charges. Because he murdered 11 worshippers in the first degree, he would have life in prison without parole. He would rot in prison, and we would have the relief of a fair justice. This choice wouldn’t have diminished the impact of his crimes, but instead showed our commitment to a system that will heal our wounding community.
I want to express my compassion for those who lost someone, the jurors, the community leaders who gave it their all, and the court staff, who were all forced to participate in a process where the outcome is not the justice we all wanted. I also thank the jurors for their service. We never should have put them through this. It is unfair they will carry the weight of making this decision forever, especially because most death sentences in PA are overturned because of the flaws of our justice system. Now, Bower’s next step is the appeal process, and our community will be tortured moving forward.
A death sentence might seem like the perfect recipe for revenge, especially for one of the most heinous acts of violence we’ve seen; but the psychological impact in participating in such a decision will last longer than the trial. The emotional distress, questions of morality, and the guilt will still linger.
While I can never fully comprehend the emotional turmoil for all parties involved, my empathy for them drives me to advocate for a justice that fosters healing rather than perpetuating a cycle of violence. We deserved a break from the horror of constantly reliving the sickening event.