American Muslim Institution has been deeply shocked at the brutal killing of a teenage Muslim girl, Nabra Hassanen, in Sterling, Virginia, last Sunday, and urges authorities to conduct a thorough probe into the murder including the possibility of hate crime.
“The killing of the 17-year-old girl, who was wearing an Islamic dress, has outraged all peace-loving Americans and has shaken the American Muslim community,” Ambassador Islam Siddiqui, President of AMI, said in a statement.
As if the killing was not painful enough, another excruciating incident happened in Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle, where someone set on fire to a memorial erected to honor memory of the slain girl.
“This is not only unacceptable in any society, but it also undercuts the founding values of peaceful coexistence, equality and fraternity that built the United States.”
Ambassador Siddiqui noted that at the same time that there has been an outpouring of support from Americans of all backgrounds, races and color for the victim and her aggrieved family.
“It is now the duty of the American political leadership including the Trump Administration to issue a stern statement of condemnation of the killing. A proactive stance from our leadership is needed to help curb anti-Muslim and hateful attitudes that have been inflamed by the statements made during and after the 2016 election season.”
The AMI encourages all in the Muslim community to support the crowdfunding campaign for Nabra’s family.
“We also urge Americans to participate in peaceful gatherings and vigils to highlight the need for amicable coexistence in accordance with the spirit of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims, and American ideals of equality and religious liberty.”