Gunman guilty in shooting deaths of 11 worshippers at Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue
USA TodayAUG 2023
The Spin
Narrative A
Whether Bowers went to the synagogue to kill Jews out of hatred towards their religion or his belief that they were trying to change the US' demographic landscape, there's no justification for turning a sacred house of worship into a hunting ground. While his conviction will do little to ease the pain for victims' kin, it will serve as a deterrent for future antisemitic acts.
Narrative B
The Pittsburgh shooting was undoubtedly traumatic, and Bowers must be held accountable. Nonetheless, his mental health and law-abiding solitary life must be considered before giving him the death penalty. More importantly, if the US wants to end hate crimes, it must first address the elephant in the room — gun control.