His text from the night before the shooting was clear about declaring “war”.
Via FOX News
The family of the man who authorities say killed four Marines and a sailor in Chattanooga said in a statement that their son suffered from depression and was not the same person they knew.
“There are no words to describe our shock, horror, and grief,” said the statement, provided Saturday to the Associated Press by a lawyer representing the family of Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez. “The person who committed this horrible crime was not the son we knew and loved. For many years, our son suffered from depression. It grieves us beyond belief to know that his pain found its expression in this heinous act of violence.”
“We understand there are many legitimate questions that need to be answered,” the statement said. “Having said this, now is the time to reflect on the victims and their families, and we feel it would be inappropriate to say anything more other than that we are truly sorry for their loss.”
The family also said they are cooperating with the investigation.
Some Muslims now fear the Chattanooga community’s perception of them had changed after the shooting rampage Thursday.
Mohsin Ali, a member of the Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga, said he hopes the local community doesn’t dissolve into turmoil the others have in the region over building mosques and other matters. Peaceful coexistence has largely prevailed in the city that has pride itself on strong ties between people of different faiths.
“We, our kids, feel 100 percent American and Chattanoogan,” said the Pakistani-born Ali, who is a child psychiatrist. “Now they are wondering if that is how people still look at them.”
Serving a warrant on the Abdulazeez home Thursday, agents led two women wearing Islamic head coverings away in handcuffs. However, FBI agent Jason Pack said Saturday that no arrests have been made in the case.