Retired police officer awarded for bravery during Tree of Life shooting

Daniel Mead, a retired officer from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (PBP), has been honored with the Hometown Hero Award for his courageous actions during the 2018 Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha Congregation synagogue shooting. The award ceremony, held at PBP headquarters, was attended by survivors of the antisemitic attack that resulted in the deaths of 11 congregants and injuries to two others.

Mead was recognized for being the first to respond to the emergency calls on October 27, 2018. Approaching the building alongside his partner, Michael Smidga, Mead confronted the shooter before being struck by gunfire in the hand. Three other officers also sustained injuries during the incident. The attack, carried out by Robert Bowers, was fueled by antisemitic beliefs and anti-immigrant sentiment.

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Nearly eight years after the shooting, our gratitude and admiration for the heroic bravery and selfless dedication of the first responders that day endures. On the morning of October 27, 2018, Officer Mead walked directly into the line of fire in fulfillment of his sworn duty to uphold the law and protect his fellow citizens. Today, we honor him. He is Pittsburgh’s Hometown Hero.

US Attorney Troy Rivetti presented the award, emphasizing Mead's "heroic bravery and selfless dedication." He stated, "On the morning of October 27, 2018, Officer Mead walked directly into the line of fire in fulfillment of his sworn duty to uphold the law and protect his fellow citizens. Today, we honor him. He is Pittsburgh’s Hometown Hero.” The PBP also congratulated Mead on his award via social media.

Robert Bowers was found guilty of 63 charges in June 2023 and sentenced to death in August of the same year. His motive was rooted in antisemitic conspiracy theories, including the belief that Jews were facilitating immigration to harm the United States. Bowers expressed his intentions on social media, stating, “Jews are the children of Satan... HIAS likes to bring invaders in that kill our people. I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I’m going in.”

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Jews are the children of Satan. HIAS likes to bring invaders in that kill our people. I can’t sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I’m going in.