Three Muslims in their 20s were shot dead in their home in North Carolina on Tuesday and a suspect has been arrested, police have confirmed.
Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, his 21-year-old wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and her sister Razan Modammad Abu-Salha, 19, have been named as the victims. Gunshots were heard at their home in an apartment complex at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, at around 5.15 pm on February 10.
All three were pronounced dead at the scene, with sources saying they had been shot in the head. A 46-year-old man, Craig Stephen Hicks, handed himself into police and has been charged with their murder.
A Facebook page under Hicks' name describes him as an "anti-theist", with Hicks using the page to criticise religion. He apparently regularly posted images with text mocking religious beliefs.
One post, from January 28, reads: "People say nothing can solve the Middle East problem, not mediation, not arms, not financial aid. I say there is something. Atheism."
Another says: "Praying is pointless, useless, narcissistic, arrogant, and lazy; just like the imaginary god you pray to."
The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) have issued a statement calling for the Chapel Hill Police Department to address speculation that the murders were motivated by the victims' Muslim faith.
"Based on the brutal nature of this crime, the past anti-religion statements of the alleged perpetrator, the religious attire of two of the victims, and the rising anti-Muslim rhetoric in American society, we urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to quickly address speculation of a possible bias motive in this case," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.
As tributes to the students pour in, there has been significant outrage over the lack of media coverage from US outlets.
Barakat and Mohammad had reportedly only recently been married – photos of their wedding have emerged online. Barakat had also established a Dental Relief programme for Syrian refugees, raising more than $20,000 to provide free dental care to those caught up in ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
