A Muslim rights organization called June 3 for a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of a Muslim man in Boston. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) made the request a day after 26-year-old Usaama Rahim was killed by police after having been under surveillance by the Joint Terrorism Task Force. CAIR Director Jennifer Wicks also requested that authorities release video footage of the shooting, which shows the incident between Rahim and local police. Boston Police Commissioner William Evans told the Boston Herald that "military and law enforcement lives were at threat" and that the video shows the police officers "backtracking" as Rahim approached them.
The incident occurred on June 2 in front of a CVS in Boston, where Rahim had worked since March. Rahim allegedly lunged at the members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force as they approached him to ask questions. One official stated that Rahim was making threats against law enforcement. The chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Rep. Michael McCaul told reporters that Rahim had been "communicating with and spreading" ISIS group propaganda on the Internet. He stated, ""These cases are a reminder of the dangers posed by individuals radicalized through social media." The police showed the video to various community leaders on June 3. Rahim's brother disputes the officers' account of the incident, claiming that his brother had been shot in the back. However, the video footage allegedly refutes this claim.
From Jurist, June 4. Used with permission.
