Horrible, heartbreaking story, appears to be a vicious hate crime against Nabra Hassanen, a Muslim-American teenager from Reston, VA in Sterling (Loudoun County). Here are some reactions from Virginia leaders:
Ralph Northam: “Ramadan should be a season of peace. Instead, we mourn alongside our Muslim neighbors. This is a tragedy.”
Mark Herring: “The ADAMS Center has always welcomed me and so many in Northern Virginia like family. This unspeakable attack feels like an assault on our entire community. Words fail at a time like this, so we’ll all have to do the best we can to surround them with the love and support they’ve always shown each of us.”
Justin Fairfax: “This is a horrific tragedy. We pray for the victim & her family & stand fully united against violence against our Muslim sisters & brothers.”
Tom Perriello: “Horrified and outraged by this murder & attack on an entire community. Those who act on hate and those who enable it must be held to account”
Loudoun County Board Chair Phyllis Randall: “Our hearts are heavy with grief. I stand with the ADAMS Community. Loudoun, please hold her family close to our hearts. Loudoun, she was us.”
Loudoun County Supervisor (Sterling District) Koran Saines: “I was sicken to learn about this chilling crime. My prayers are with the family. @ADAMSCenter_ the Sterling Community is grieving with you.”
State Senator – and 10th CD Democratic candidate – Jennifer Wexton: “My family and I are heartbroken over this tragedy. Our prayers go out to her family and the @ADAMSCenter_ community.”
10th CD Democratic candidate Dan Helmer: “My heart goes out to Nabra’s family. Deeply saddened that a family in our community lost a daughter to hate.”
Ed Gillespie: “Praying for family of victim of heinous murder in Sterling, and the entire ADAMS Center community.”
DNC Member from Virginia Yasmine Taeb: “This is horrifying and heartbreaking. Makes me absolutely sick to my stomach. I’ve actually done the same thing as Nabra (many of us have) — gone to a McDonalds by the mosque at that hour during Ramadan with a bunch of other young Muslim females. No family deserves to lose a precious child. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nabra‘s family and friends. Inna lillahi wa inna ilahi rajeeon.”
Rep. Barbara Comstock: “We are heartbroken and horrified by the news of the brutal murder of a beautiful 17-year old girl. We know there is no greater pain for any parent and Chip and I extend our prayers to her family and loved ones at this difficult time and the entire ADAMS Center community. We commend the Fairfax County Police Department and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s office for their diligent work in apprehending the perpetrator. This case should be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Fairfax County School Board Member Pat Hynes: “Schools will be ready with crisis counselors. Students should reach out to trusted adults. Support this family if you can. Oh my heart.”
VA 10th CD Democrats: “Rest In Peace #Nabra. No one should ever be threatened or harmed because of their race or creed.”
Del. John Bell: “My heart is breaking with the news from my neighbor All Dulles Area Muslim Society. My deepest condolences to Nabra’s family and friends as we begin the long process of healing from hate. We have to remember what Rev. Dr. King said: ‘hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.'”
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn: “I am heartbroken and deeply distressed to hear of the violent death of 17 year old, Nabra, in Sterling, VA, earlier today. There is absolutely no excuse for such unspeakable violence. My heart breaks for Nabra’s family and friends and my thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, The ADAMS Center and her surrounding community. Sending strength, love and support to our friends in this community today and everyday.”
Rep. Don Beyer: “Our hearts break for the family, friends and fellow congregants of Nabra Hassanen. I join so many voices today in sorrow, anger, and a determination to find our way forward as an inclusive society.”
Rep. Gerry Connolly: “My thoughts and prayers are with Nabra Mohmod Hassanen’s family and the @ADAMSCenter_ community. A senseless tragedy.”
Sen. Mark Warner: “Heartbreaking. Nabra’s murder is a tragic, senseless act of violence. Our hearts are with the Hassanen family & ADAMS Center community.”
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