The fatal shooting of three Muslim students in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Tuesday afternoon has prompted uproar around the world, particularly from Muslims in the Middle East who say U.S. media coverage of stories involving Muslims is often biased.
Craig Stephen Hicks, 46, surrendered to police after allegedly killing 23-year-old Deah Barakat, his wife Yusor Abu-Salha, 21, and her sister, Razan Abu-Salha, 19, in their home.
People react at the scene of a shooting in Chapel Hill that left three dead Tuesday evening. pic.twitter.com/ghqAsRDVLJ
— Al Drago (@Al_Drago) February 11, 2015
It’s not fully clear what prompted the shooting. Some reports point to a possible parking dispute as the catalyst, although Hicks also appeared to harbor vehemently anti-religious views, not only toward Islam but toward all faiths. His Facebook page includes a post denouncing both Christianity and Islam. In January, Hicks posted a photo of what he claimed was his .38-caliber revolver.
This image provided by the Durham County Sheriff’s office shows a booking photo of Craig Stephen Hicks, 46, who was arrested on three counts of murder early Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015. (AP Photo/Durham County Sheriff)
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Yusor Abu-Salha.
By chance, I had an appointment at the #UNC Dental School this morning. This is the memorial in place for UNC dental student Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, his wife, Yusor Mohammad, 21, and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19. The mood here is somber and shaken. Male and female students of all races were crying and hugging each other. My dentist was Deah's advisor for his upcoming humanitarian dental trip to Syria, near the Turkish border. Dr. Pimenta was concerned for Deah's safety on this mission. Deah was unconcerned, as he has family in the region. No one thought he would have to worry about his safety in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I went to the hospital and purchased flowers to place at this memorial. I didn't know any of the three people, but I am shaken and upset, too. #alllivesmatter #uncfamily #muslimlivesmatter #chapelhill #northcarolina A photo posted by Surf Pray Love (@surf_pray_love) on Feb 11, 2015 at 8:12am PST
Yusor Abu-Salha “dancing with daddy,” according to her Facebook page.
Craig Stephen Hicks, the alleged shooter, in a photo from his Facebook page.
Deah Shaddy Barakat, right, his wife Yusor Abu-Salha, and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, in an undated Facebook photo.
Ibraheem Shaheen contributed reporting from Amman, Jordan, and Burak Sayin contributed reporting from Istanbul.
