Murder of Egyptian Grocery Store Owner Being Investigated as Hate Crime

September 19, 2001

Source: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-091901karas.story

On September 19, 2001, The Los Angeles Times reported on the murder of Adel Karas in San Gabriel, California. The shooting death is being investigated by the FBI as a hate crime. The article noted, "If Karas were targeted for his perceived religion or ethnicity, a cruel absurdity lies in the ignorance of the act: He was a Coptic Christian who had fled Egypt more than 20 years ago because of persecution by the Muslim majority." The article continued, "The head of the Islamic Center in Los Angeles visited the family on Monday, as carnations and roses, notes and votive candles amassed on the sidewalk in front of his store. 'Dear Adel,' read one note taped to the door. 'May hatred perish as you rest in peace.'"