Seven years after the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history, a new documentary shines a light on the brave Pittsburgh first responders who faced unimaginable danger inside the Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018.

For the first time since the traumatic event, SWAT officer Tim Matson has spoken out about being shot a staggering 12 times while engaging the gunman, Robert Bowers, in a harrowing encounter seven years ago.

The documentary “Confronting Hate: Responding to the Tree of Life Attack” was unveiled on the seventh anniversary of the tragic incident. It provides a platform for survivors and officers to share their experiences, breaking the silence that was maintained during the federal prosecution of Bowers. This marks the first time many of those involved have spoken publicly about the ordeal.

Outside the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the tragic shooting occurred on October 29, 2018, a makeshift memorial stands as a somber reminder of the loss. The image, captured by Matt Rourke for the Associated Press, remains a poignant symbol of the community’s grief and resilience.

Speaking to Fox News Digital, documentary creator Jon Becker explained, “For five years, the officers were under a gag order from the federal court while the case against the perpetrator was ongoing. This meant that much of the emotional trauma faced by the first responders went unaddressed until now.”

“The impact on these officers is profound and enduring,” Becker continued, highlighting that the incident has altered the course of their lives irreversibly.

“They went into that building knowing this guy could kill them to save people that they’ve never even met.”

On Oct. 27, 2018, Bowers stormed the Tree of Life building in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood during Shabbat services, targeting congregants from Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light. 

He was armed with a semi-automatic rifle and handguns and killed 11 worshipers and wounded six others, including four police officers. 

First responders were seen near the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pa., where a shooter opened fire on Oct. 27, 2018.  (AP)

Among those critically wounded was Officer Tim Matson, who engaged the shooter and shared his experience for the first time. Tim was hit 12 times and has since undergone more than 25 surgeries.

“The suspect barricaded himself in a room like a classroom, turned off the lights, hid behind a barrier, and as soon as Tim entered the room, the suspect opened fire on him,” explained Becker, CEO Aardvark Tactical.

“Physically, he’s a lot better now,” Becker added. “He’s walking, but it was months before he walked again.”

But the film’s creators claim “Confronting Hate” is not just about recounting tragedy but about confronting how the country treats those who protect it. 

“We’ve beaten our police down emotionally by focusing on the things they do that are negative,” Becker said.

“We overlook things like this, where the police literally sacrifice themselves to save people.”

The film also highlights two survivors, Dan Legard and Andrea Wender, whose lives were saved when officers like Matson charged into the synagogue under fire. 

The impact of the tragic Pittsburgh synagogue shooting that occurred in 2018. (Justin Merriman/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

“Dan and Andrea are alive because people they didn’t know ran toward danger to pull them out,” Becker said.

Beyond remembrance, the documentary demands change, which Becker explained encompasses not “under investing in law enforcement, financially or in training.” 

“If we’re not taking lessons learned and using them to help our law enforcement improve and give them the resources they need, we can’t expect a different result the next time something happens,” he said.

“We also need a more balanced narrative about law enforcement,” Becker concluded.

Bowers, was convicted on all 63 federal counts in 2023 and sentenced to death. 

In a statement on their website today, Tree of Life Congretation said: “We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support for our synagogue from our community and people across the country and around the world in the wake of the horrific anti-Semitic attack of October 27, 2018. We will continue to mourn our lost congregants, even as we honor their memories by healing, growing, and strengthening the congregation they loved. We deeply appreciate the many offers of assistance and support of the victims’ families and to help rebuild the Tree of Life synagogue. Your support proves that love is truly stronger than hate.”