President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama offered condolences to the families of Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, Deah Shaddy Barakat, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha , who were shot to death Tuesday in Chapel Hill, N.C.
The FBI began an investigation of the deaths as a possible hate crime. It announced that it had “opened a parallel preliminary inquiry to determine whether or not any federal laws were violated related to the case.” Local officials are also investigating.
“We welcome the FBI’s increased involvement in this tragic case and hope the added resources and expertise the bureau has to offer will help see that justice is served,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad in a statement Friday. “This case is quickly becoming a touchstone for the American Muslim community’s sense of security and inclusion.”
Suspect Craig Stephen Hicks, the victims’ 46-year-old neighbor has been charged with three counts of murder. He turned himself in to police soon after the execution-style shootings. Early reports said police identified the motive as a dispute over parking, but the victims’ families and others have asked if Hicks targeted the three because they were Muslims. The two female victims wore head scarves.
