#MuslimLivesMatter
The Story
Three students living in Chapel Hill were shot to death Tuesday evening in an act of violence that police say was about a parking dispute, but that the victims’ relatives are calling a hate crime.
The Facts
– Killed were UNC-Chapel Hill dental student Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23; his wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21, set to enter the dental school this fall; and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19, of Raleigh and attending NC State.
– Arrested was their neighbor, Craig Stephen Hicks.
– The family of the slain say the victims were killed because of their Muslim faith.
– Hicks’ wife said it was about a long-simmering parking dispute.
– Either way, a tragic loss: All three were honor students. Deah and Yusor just got married in December. They wanted to provide dental care to the needy.
– Thousands of students held vigils in the victims’ honor.
#MuslimLivesMatter
The hashtag took root Wednesday as people all over the world mourned:
#ChapelHillShooting Vigil at @unccharlotte .#MuslimLivesMatter #AllLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/kOZ4p0Vp4J
— Koffi CH YAO-KOUAME (@kyaokoua) February 12, 2015
We were created to love, not hate #MuslimLivesMatter A photo posted by Edwin (@theogachi) on Feb 11, 2015 at 4:31pm PST
Anytime a person kills or injuries another person for religion or for a lack of religion it is sickening and pathetic. #MuslimLivesMatter
— Eddie (@BlazedDonuts) February 11, 2015
C5’s Take
Horrible crime, amazing response by fellow students and people who care throughout the world.
Photos: Travis Long / News & Observer, Durham County Sheriff’s Office & Michael Biesecker / AP
This story was originally published February 12, 2015 at 1:13 AM with the headline "#MuslimLivesMatter."