Accused San Diego synagogue-shooter John Earnest on Thursday was slapped with 109 hate crime charges and civil rights violations — paving the way for him to face the death penalty.
The new charges against Earnest, 19, include 54 counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death and bodily injury — one for each of the congregants celebrating Passover April 27 at the Chabad of Poway.
Each of the counts is death penalty eligible, prosecutors said. “Our actions today are inspired by our desire to achieve justice for all of the victims and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Robert S. Brewer, Jr.
“We will not allow our community members to be hunted in their houses of worship, where they should feel free and safe to exercise their right to practice their religion.”
Earnest had been facing state murder and attempted murder charges in connection with the shooting, which authorities say was motivated by his hatred of Jews.
The shooter fled the synagogue after fatally wounding Lori Kaye, 60 — who died shielding her rabbi — and wounding three others. The San Diego County Sheriff has said the gunman’s assault rifle malfunctioned, which might have prevented more bloodshed.
While fleeing the house of worship, Earnest allegedly called 911 from his car and admitted to the shooting, saying he was trying to “defend his nation against the Jewish people.” The criminal complaint filed against him also includes an earlier fire at a nearby mosque he allegedly admitted to setting in a manifesto authorities found.