Chronicle poll results: Death penalty for synagogue shooter
We asked our readers if they agreed that the synagogue shooter should have received the death penalty. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “Do you agree that the synagogue shooter should have received the death penalty?” Of the 512 people who responded, 83% said yes; 12% said no; and 5% said they weren’t sure. Comments were submitted by 148 people. A few follow.
As a survivor, I agree with the findings of the jury!
I am generally against the death penalty, particularly as it has been abused toward ethnic and religious minorities. But with undisputed monsters like this, I’m all for it.
I don’t believe in the death penalty. Death also seems too quick for him. I’d rather he suffer in jail without parole.
I wish he had been neutralized at the scene, sparing the families the agony of the last four years.
He committed the most heinous crime against our people in recent history. The jury had no choice but to come to this verdict. I applaud their efforts.
If not in this case, when?
Unfortunately, with appeals he will probably never be executed.
It might deter some who would contemplate a copy-cat event.
The death penalty is at odds with Jewish values. He deserved life without parole because of his extensive psychiatric background that was partly due to the deprivation, neglect and abuse he suffered in childhood.
I believe that the death penalty is only appropriate for the most heinous crimes, when there is absolutely no doubt as to the perpetrator and when the perpetrator is entirely unrepentant. Check, check, check.
I’ve seen many people say they are generally opposed to the death penalty but “in this case it is appropriate”. How do we justify our moral positions if we are willing to make exceptions when it impacts us/our community most? I am also opposed to the death penalty in most situations, and have struggled internally over the course of this trial on what I wanted the outcome to be. How do we achieve justice while still aligning with our moral principles? Ultimately I feel that making exceptions in one instance can lead to making exceptions in other aspects as well.
I don’t believe we humans are wise enough to be playing G-d, and capital punishment is not something that we should be implementing.
He will be on death row. How long before he is executed is my question. Death is too kind for this animal.
I respect the conclusion of the majority of survivors and victim’s families that this is the right course. PJC
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