(ANAHEIM, CA, 6/1/15) – The Greater Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today called for a “fully transparent” investigation of the recent fatal shooting of an unarmed college student by Long Beach police (LBPD).
Feras Morad, 20, was shot Wednesday night while “unarmed and in desperate need of medical attention,” according to friends and relatives. The shooting is being investigated by Long Beach police and the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
SEE: Police Killing of Unarmed College Debater Under Scrutiny
Morad is remembered as a good student and friend who strived to serve his community. He excelled academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. He was recognized as a national champion of speech and debate and was accepted to top University of California schools including UC Berkeley, UCI, UCSD, UCLA. He had decided to go to Cal State University, Long Beach in order to save money to go to law school in the future.
"The Long Beach Police Department needs to provide answers on how and why such an incident could take place. This tragic occurrence must be investigated in a fully transparent manner that helps build trust between police and the community they serve," said CAIR-LA Senior Civil Rights Attorney Fatima Dadabhoy. "We offer our sincere condolences and prayers for Feras Morad’s family and loved ones."
Morad’s loved ones and supporters have mobilized to seek answers to his tragic shooting through Facebook and Twitter campaigns calling for "Justice For Feras Morad."
Dadabhoy said CAIR-LA will continue to monitor the development of this case.
This incident comes in the wake of recent controversies involving similar shootings of unarmed individuals by police and of a media report that more than 550 law-enforcement killings were not included in FBI statistics between 2007 and 2012.
Report: Hundreds of Police Killings Not Reported to FBI
In March 2008, Mohammad Usman Chaudhry, a homeless, mentally-ill Muslim man was fatally shot by the LAPD. CAIR-LA, along with other civil rights groups, filed a lawsuit against the officer involved and the LAPD for wrongful death and excessive use of force. A federal jury ruled in favor of the victim's family.
SEE: CAIR-LA Welcomes Appeals Court Ruling In Favor Of Family of Muslim Shot By LAPD Officer
SEE ALSO: CAIR-LA Disturbed by LAPD Officers' Fatal Shooting of Unarmed Homeless Man
CAIR is the nation's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Ojaala Ahmad, 714-776-1847, 714-851-4851, oahmad@cair.com.