Missing from mainstream news: 3 Muslims gunned down in N. Carolina

© Photo from facebook.com

Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, his wife, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21, and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19, all three of whom were killed in Tuesday's shooting.

Three members of a Muslim family in North Carolina's university town of Chapel Hill were gunned down in their home. What some are alleging was a hate crime has sparked grief and anger in the US and beyond.

The victims in the triple homicide have been identified as Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, his wife, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21, and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19.

Police responded to a call about gunshots in the family's apartment complex at 5:11 pm Tuesday. The discovered the bodies of the victims, all of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.

© Photo from facebook.com

Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha dancing with her father at her wedding.

Several neighbors told student daily that that had not even been aware of the shooting.

Kristen Boling, a student at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who lives in the complex, told the paper she arrived home at 3:45 pm but didn't hear or see anything until after police arrived.

"It was a regular day when I got off the bus," she said. "Now it's chaos and confusion and they're not telling us what's going on."

A 46-year-old man identified by police as Craig Stephen Hicks turned himself in late Tuesday night. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of three counts of first degree murder.

Police have yet to comment on what might have compelled Hicks to carry out the attack, though there has been some speculation on social media it was a hate crime. Hicks is a self-described atheist who regularly posted content critical of religion on his Facebook account.

© Photo from facebook.com

Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23.

According to US media, Hicks allegedly wrote in one post: "When it comes to insults, your religion started this, not me. If your religion kept its big mouth shut, so would I." The quote in question was paraphrased from Pat Condell, an Irish comedian and atheist internet personality.

The shooting has elicited a strong response on social media.

Chris Rock, one of the United States most popular stand-up comics, retweeted a photograph of the victims providing food and dental supplies to the homeless.

Rock, along with other social media users, has accused the mainstream media of ignoring the shooting. Some have argued that if a Muslim had gunned down three atheists, the headlines would be

If this had been a Muslim shooter killing 3 atheists the headlines screaming TERROR ATTACK would be on every front page. #ChapelHillShooting — le estate secret (@onekade) February 11, 2015

Others have focused on the victims themselves, their love of life and dedication to their community.

According to the regional daily The News & Observer, Yusor was scheduled to graduate in December with a degree in biological sciences from NCSU, according to a university statement.

Barakat, a Syrian-American, studied business administration and management at NCSU before enrolling at UNC-Chapel Hill in 2013 to pursue his doctorate in dental surgery. Razan was studying architecture and environmental design at NCSU.

Deah and Yusor were married on December 27, and appeared to be vibrant and active members of their community.

Barakat was planning to travel with 10 other dentists this summer to Reyhanli, Turkey, where they planned to treat Syrian refugee students for urgent dental work and distribute toothbrushes and toothpaste. He had organized a fundraising campaign for the trip, which has so far collected over $25,000 for the cause.

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Chomsky: We Are All – Fill in the Blank.

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