Pittsburgh synagogue massacre suspect Robert Gregory Bowers pleads not guilty to murder

Robert Gregory Bowers has pleaded not guilty to murder. Credit: Dave Klug/AP

The man accused of gunning down 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that could put him on death row.

Robert Bowers was arraigned on Thursday, one day after a grand jury issued a 44-count indictment that charges him with murder, hate crimes, obstructing the practice of religion and other crimes.

Left: Courtroom sketch of Robert Gregory Bowers. Right: Victims of Pittsburgh synagogue massacre. Credit: AP

It was his second brief appearance in a federal courtroom since the weekend massacre at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighbourhood.

Authorities say the 46-year-old raged against Jews during and after the rampage. It was the deadliest attack on Jews in American history.

Funerals for the victims are being held all week.