Almost two years after the Tree of Life mass shooting in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh Police officer Timothy Matson has returned to duty with the department.
Matson was shot and injured during the shooting on October 27, 2018.
“Tim said from day one that he would be back. He’s worked extremely hard over the last two years to make this a reality and we couldn’t be prouder or more thankful to Tim and all who stood by his side during this incredible journey. If anyone was going to do this, after everything he’s been through, I knew Tim could," said Police Chief Scott Schubert.
Robert Bowers was arrested and charged in the killing of 11 people and wounding several others. He faces more than 60 counts of criminal charges.
In August of 2019, federal prosecutors announced they would be seeking the death penalty. At the time, members from two of the Squirrel Hill synagogue's congregations asked prosecutors to accept a plea deal guaranteeing life without parole, saying the victims want closure and not the ongoing appeals that would likely come from a death sentence.
In May of this year, the Squirrel Hill synagogue donated $200,000 to Pittsburgh Public Safety.
Officer Matson will be on modified duty.