A retired Pittsburgh police officer was awarded for his bravery during the 2011 Tree of Life – Or L'Simcha Congregation synagogue shooting, the Pennsylvania Western District US Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday.
Former Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (PBP) officer Daniel Mead was presented with the Hometown Hero Award at the PBP headquarters, at a ceremony attended by survivors of the antisemitic massacre that claimed the lives of 11 congregants and wounded two others.
Mead was given the award, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, and it was offered to individuals who have made significant contributions to their community, in recognition of his efforts as the first to respond to emergency calls.
Alongside his partner, Michael Smidga, Mead approached the building and the shooter before being shot in the hand. Three other officers were wounded by the attacker.
"Nearly eight years after the shooting, our gratitude and admiration for the heroic bravery and selfless dedication of the first responders that day endures," said US Attorney Troy Rivetti, who presented the award to Mead. "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 congratulated the retired officer on his award in a Wednesday social media post.
Squirrel Hill synagogue attack
In 2018, the Squirrel Hill synagogue was attacked by Robert Bowers, motivated by antisemitic sentiment and the belief that the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) was destroying the US by facilitating immigration.
“Jews are the children of Satan,” Bowers said in one social media post, according to the Department of Justice. “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.”
Bowers entered the house of worship with three pistols and a rifle, opening fire. In June 2023, Bowers was found guilty of 63 charges, and in August of that year, he was sentenced to death.