Reaction to the Chapel Hill slayings
“I share strong feelings of outrage and shock with my fellow citizens and University students – as well as concerned people everywhere. We do not know whether anti-Muslim bias played a role in this crime, but I do recognize the fear that members of our community may feel. Chapel Hill is a place for everyone, a place where Muslim lives matter. These deaths represent an incomprehensible loss. I believe that we can find strength by acknowledging the fear and outrage that this act instills, coming together to ask difficult questions, and lifting up all people in our community who are hurting.”
Mark Kleinschmidt,
Chapel Hill mayor
When I heard the news I was in disbelief ... I couldn’t wrap my head around the thought of you and your beautiful wife no longer being alive. ... We didn’t grow up together but when I heard the news I was hurt like I’ve known you my whole life. I just wanna say thank you to you your wife and family for the support and making North Carolina feel like home. Rest in peace brother and sisters may Allah bless all three of you with the highest heaven. I know you’ll always and forever be a NC State supporter. Rest easy my dude
Abdul-Malik Abu,
N.C. State basketball player, on Instagram (malikabu)
“The loss of any life pains us dearly. But to take three young lives who were so full of potential and hope is a tragedy that is almost unbearable. As Americans, we need to come together as one, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and teach mutual tolerance and acceptance.”
Bilal Rana,
National president, Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association
“This appalling act of violence has shaken our community’s sense of peace and reminded us once again that we still face serious barriers to mutual acceptance. We must redouble our efforts to bridge the gaps of intolerance and hatred that divide our society.”
U.S. Rep. David Price
“Such an act of violence goes against the very fiber of our community and society. It also creates a sense of vulnerability for all of us, especially members of the Muslim community. I am in touch with the Muslim community and students and will continue to be in conversation with them. While the Chapel Hill police continue to gather facts, Carolina has and will remain focused on supporting all members of our community.”
Carol Folt,
UNC-Chapel Hill chancellor
“On behalf of the entire N.C. State community, I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad and Razan Abu-Salha.”
Randy Woodson,
N.C. State University chancellor
my heart goes out to everyone who knew these three beautiful, smart people. muslim friends and fans, i’m with you
Lorde,
singer, on Twitter (@lordemusic)
“Susan and I join other North Carolinians and people across the nation in praying for the families of Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha as they bear the pain of this terrible tragedy and the loss of three young lives.”
U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis
“As parents, as Muslims, and as Americans we are devastated at this senseless act of violence. These students were dedicated to the service of humanity, were proud Muslims, and proud Americans. We pray for their departed souls and trust that the authorities will bring the culprit to justice.”
Nasim Rehmatullah,
National vice president, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA
Tragic, senseless, & inexcusable violence in Chapel Hill yesterday. Our hearts & prayers go out to the victims, their families & friends.
Roy Cooper,
N.C. attorney general, on Twitter (@RoyCooperNC)
“I am saddened by the senseless acts that happened yesterday evening in Chapel Hill. My prayers are with the families and friends of Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha.”
N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory
“At this time, we must respect the police departments who are handling the investigation, and have patience as we wait for the facts. For now, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and friends, and with our extended Tar Heel and Wolfpack families.”
Tim Moore,
Speaker of N.C. House
Last night’s tragic events have left three dead and our community in mourning. My prayers are with their families.
U.S. Sen. Richard Burr,
on Twitter (@SenatorBurr)
With the angels, we weep today for Kayla Mueller, the Chapel Hill victims, and the scores killed in Syria and Ukraine.
Mitt Romney,
former presidential candidate, on Twitter (@MittRomney)
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. While details are still unfolding, we know the tragedy last night cut short the lives of three smart young people whose parents will never get to see them fulfill their life aspirations. ... This is precisely why we must stand together to honor the families and pledge to do more to help prevent gun violence in our communities. Our children’s lives depend on it.”
Kaaren Haldeman,
N.C. Chapter of Moms Demand Action
This story was originally published February 11, 2015 at 12:40 PM.