US Justice Department to seek death penalty for Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting suspect

US prosecutors will seek the death penalty against the suspected gunman in the Tree of Life synagogue massacre which left 11 worshipers dead.

Robert Bowers, 46, is accused of opening fire at the Pittsburgh synagogue during its Shabbat service in what is believed to be the worst antisemitic attack in US history.

The Justice Department said it will seek the death penalty on charges that include obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death, use and discharge of a firearm to commit murder, and possession of a firearm during a violent crime.

Prosecutors said: "Robert Bowers expressed hatred and contempt toward members of the Jewish faith and his animus toward members of the Jewish faith played a role in the killings."