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Lawyers For Tree Of Life Synagogue Shooting Suspect Allege FBI Meddling

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Lawyers for the man accused of killing 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue say the FBI has been discouraging witnesses from talking to the defense.

Robert Bowers' lawyers say in court documents that at least one witness contacted the defense, but abruptly canceled a meeting after the FBI discouraged it. The defense says other witnesses have gotten the same message from the FBI.

robert bowers
Robert Bowers is accused of killing 11 Jewish congregants as they prayed at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in American history in 2018. (Photo Credit: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation)

Defense lawyers are asking the judge to tell the FBI to stop. The judge Thursday ordered federal prosecutors to respond to the defense allegation by next week.

Authorities say Bowers killed 11 people and wounded seven at Tree of Life synagogue last October. It was the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. He's pleaded not guilty.

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Prosecutors have not made a final decision on whether to seek the death penalty.

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