CAIR Thanks President Obama for Condolence Statement on Chapel Hill Shootings

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a statement by President Obama offering condolences for the shooting deaths of three youth Muslims earlier this week in Chapel Hill, N.C.

In his statement, the president said:

"Yesterday, the FBI opened an inquiry into the brutal and outrageous murders of Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, Deah Shaddy Barakat, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  In addition to the ongoing investigation by local authorities, the FBI is taking steps to determine whether federal laws were violated.  No one in the United States of America should ever be targeted because of who they are, what they look like, or how they worship.  Michelle and I offer our condolences to the victims' loved ones.  As we saw with the overwhelming presence at the funeral of these young Americans, we are all one American family.  Whenever anyone is taken from us before their time, we remember how they lived their lives – and the words of one of the victims should inspire the way we live ours.

"'Growing up in America has been such a blessing,' Yusor said recently.  'It doesn't matter where you come from.  There's so many different people from so many different places, of different backgrounds and religions – but here, we're all one.'"

SEE: Statement by the President
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/02/13/statement-president

"We thank President Obama for his heartfelt condolences on the tragic deaths of Deah, Yusor and Razan," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "As the president noted, these exemplary young people were part of the American family and their legacy should be remembered and honored."

Awad led a CAIR delegation to North Carolina to support the community following the shootings. He said CAIR will monitor the criminal case as it moves forward through the legal process.

Video: ‪‎CAIR Director Nihad Awad Urges Community to Honor the Legacy of Deah, Yusor and Razan
http://youtu.be/_y2QI6p2YSA
Video: CAIR Director Nihad Awad Speaks at News Conference Before Burial of Chapel Hill Murder Victims
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap2h3eQegw4

Yesterday, CAIR welcomed the FBI's decision to open an investigation into the killings.

SEE: CAIR Welcomes FBI Probe of Chapel Hill Murders
http://tinyurl.com/keg2bvo

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-341-4171, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations

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