
After the deadly shooting which left imam Maulama Akonjee, 55 and his assistant, Thara Uddin, 65, slain a new movement has arisen, hashtagged #IllWalkWithYou, on social media showing solidarity with Muslims in the midst of tragic events.
On Saturday, 13th August, Mr. Akonjee and Mr. Uddin were walking a short distance away from Al-Furqan Jame mosque in Queens, New York, after Zuhr prayers when they were gunned down in broad daylight. The pair were both shot in the back of the head from point blank range and died at the scene.
No arrests have been made, the New York police department is currently in search of the suspected shooter.
This heartbreaking story has caused an overwhelming show of support from Americans as vast numbers have pledged to aid Muslims in walking to their local Masjid.
To all my #Muslim friends:
— Rabbi Latz (@RavMABAY) August 14, 2016
I see you.
I love you. #IllWalkWithYou
Dear wonderful ppl of #IllWalkWithYou offering solidarity to Muslims: don't just walk w us, vote against politicians who normalize hate. ?????
— eemi (@eemanabbasi) August 14, 2016
Hate only wins, when love gives up. Today will not be that day.
— Andrew Tumilty (@AndrewTumilty) August 14, 2016
You are my brother, my sister and #ILLWalkWithYou https://t.co/EYJvVI0sM0
#ILLWalkWithYou pic.twitter.com/A0TI0gBZy5
— Lexi Alexander (@Lexialex) August 14, 2016
Since the shooting, Muslims have gathered in masses to protest the discriminatory deaths and are pleading for justice for their slain Muslim brothers.
This show of solidarity is hoped not to be a temporary movement but an ongoing unity against hateful attacks.