Month: August 2023

In an unanimous decision, a jury in Pittsburgh has recommended a death sentence for the gunman who killed 11 people and injured seven more in a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018.  The jury, who were on their second day of deliberations after almost 10 total hours deliberating, were weighing either a death sentence or life in prison for the gunman, Robert Bowers. Bowers was found guilty in June of all 63 federal charges brought against him in connection with the massacre, including criminal counts for hate crimes resulting in death.

Judge Robert Colville, who presided over the case, denied a motion from the defense for a mistrial prior to the sentencing hearing on Tuesday morning. Judge Colville said “the task before the jury was an enormous task and they seem to have embraced it with an earnestness and seriousness.”  The 12-member jury had to reach a decision in the penalty phase on whether what are known as aggravating factors outweighed 115 mitigating factors. The decisions on each of those factors on the 25-page verdict form were read before the jury announced its final decision. The jury found Bowers eligible to face the death penalty in July.

Bowers opened fire inside of Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, during Shabbat morning services, in the deadliest antisemitic attack in the country’s history. Police said the gunman was armed with an AR-15 rifle and three handguns, shouting “All Jews must die!” during the shooting  The gunman was shot multiple times by responding officers and taken into custody. Bowers had a documented history of antisemitic and violent extremist views that he posted about online, and his attorneys admitted during the criminal trial that he was responsible for the massacre; however, the defense focused on his mental state, raising questions as to whether Bowers was driven by hate or schizophrenia when he carried out the attack. Prosecutors rejected the defense’s claims related to mental illness, arguing that the gunman methodically planned the shooting.

Formal sentencing for Bowers will be Thursday, and victims will also have the chance to share statements before the judge officially imposes the final sentence.

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The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) disclosed on Wednesday that federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on executive chairman Vince McMahon  last month, serving him with a federal grand jury subpoena.

The WWE also revealed Wednesday that McMahon “went on medical leave after undergoing major spinal surgery.”   The WWE said in its quarterly report to the Securities and Exchange Commission that McMahon’s leave began July 21, and he will “remain on medical leave until further notice but will remain Executive Chairman” of WWE. WWE CEO Nick Khan revealed news of McMahon’s surgery during the company’s second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday. Khan said McMahon had major spinal surgery nearly two weeks ago and is taking the leave in order to focus on his recovery, but did not specify the duration of the leave.

The new subpoena is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that McMahon paid millions of dollars over the years to women after being accused of sexual misconduct. WWE said in the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that while government investigations into McMahon remain ongoing, no charges have been brought in them. The company said it has received voluntary and compulsory legal demands for documents concerning the investigation and related subject matters, sharing in a statement: “WWE has cooperated throughout and fully understands and respects the government’s need for a complete process.”

It was revealed last year that the WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from McMahon to a departing female employee following a consensual affair. WWE’s investigation into the misconduct allegations was completed last year. McMahon said in a statement: “In 2022, WWE formed a special committee to review allegations of misconduct against me. That review was concluded in November 2022 following an extensive investigation. Throughout this experience, I have always denied any intentional wrongdoing and continue to do so. I am confident that the government’s investigation will be resolved without any findings of wrongdoing.”

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