(PHILADELPHIA, PA., 1/3/2024) – The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) today welcomed the arrest of a suspect in the October 29, 2023 killing of Mohammad Rahman, a beloved community member outside Masjid Al-Madinah Upper Darby Islamic Center in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
In a press conference, Upper Darby District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer noted Upper Darby Police Department arrested the suspect, Herman Stigall, and that the suspect is charged with first and third degree murder among other charges. Stigall was taken into custody on December 29, 2023.
CAIR-Philadelphia responded to the shooting when it occurred.
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu said:
“We are glad to see an arrest made in this case. Mohammad Rahman was a beloved community leader, and his murder, coming on the heels of increasing Islamophobia, raised our communal concerns for safety. The arrest by authorities will put some level of ease in the hearts of his family and community.”
Delaware County District Attorney’s office noted the suspect was part of another robbery the day after he allegedly killed Rahman.
SEE: West Philly Man Charged with murder for shooting during a carjacking outside of a Delco mosque
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, PhD; 617-401-5397 (mobile), atekelioglu@cair.com
