Family members of the three young Muslims shot to death in North Carolina on Tuesday are grappling with the senseless tragedy.
During a powerful speech at a vigil on Wednesday night, the brother of one of the victims revealed that faith is what is keeping the family strong.
Farris Barakat told the thousands gathered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that he had planned to spend time with his brother, Deah, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. But Deah, his wife, Yusor Abu-Salha, and her sister, Razan Abu-Salha, never made it to that meetup. They lost their lives the day before, allegedly at the hands of a neighbor who identified as an atheist.
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I was so happy this message is out that these three individuals lived an amazing life. And I wanted to share that experience with my brother. And literally, this is kind of what hurts me the most right now, is that I just wish he were here to see it all.
At some point we are going to move on with dignity. Be the students I know UNC Chapel Hill and NC State Central and whoever else is here can make you be. And be citizens of this world, because we’ve lost three great citizens of this world and of this country. But I think they’ve inspired thousands.
I thank you for your time and your support. And God bless you all. And if you see someone crying tell them Deah is happy, Yusor is happy, Razan is happy.
