Muslim restaurant owner killed in Indiana, relatives claim hate crime

The murder of northwest Indiana restauranteur Naseeb Mohammed was the lead story on most of the Chicago newscasts a few nights ago. Although they haven't ruled out "hate" as a motive, Indiana police officials believe robbery was the motive in Mohammed's killing.

In today's Chicago Tribune, that is, in the September 11 edition of the Trib on the front page, a story with the claims of Mohammed's sons that the killing was a hate crime appeared. Free registration is required to access this Chicago Tribune story.

But Mohammed's sons insisted hate must have been a motive because only $150 was taken from the restaurant even though more was available. They also said it does not make sense to rob a restaurant in the morning before it opens, when more money would be available after closing.

"This is someone who wanted to bring grief to the Muslim community, and that's what they did," said his son Bassam Mohammed, 25.

"This is just another act of terror," said his oldest son, Ghassan Mohammed, 28.

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Bassam Mohammed said that in the years since 9/11, he and his family have suffered varying degrees of racism and mistrust.

Still, the police say there is no evidence that Mr. Mohammed's murder was a hate crime.

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