Turkey expresses 'deep concern' over suspected 'serial killer of Muslims' in US city of Albuquerque
Turkey said it is "deeply concerned" over the killing of Muslims in the US city of Albuquerque, New Mexico on Monday with fears that the faith group is being targeted by a serial killer.
At least four Muslims have been killed in the city, the setting of hit TV series Breaking Bad, with President Joe Biden and now Turkey speaking out against the horrific crime wave.
"We are deeply concerned about the suspicious consecutive killings of four Muslim individuals since November in the U.S. city of Albuquerque, three of which have been in the past week," the foreign ministry said in a statement shared on Twitter.
"We would like the perpetrators of these serial killings, which could be related to one another as indicated by the police and are likely to be hate crimes, to be found immediate and brought to justice."
Press Release Regarding the Killing of Four Muslims in Albuquerque/U.S. https://t.co/bSwLoqswCj pic.twitter.com/BxydBLn9RV
— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) August 8, 2022
A Muslim man was found dead by US police in Albuquerque on Friday, marking the third such murder this year and the fourth since last November.
US police are investigating a possible link between the killings, and on Sunday released photos of a vehicle they believe could be connected to the the cases.
I am angered and saddened by the horrific killings of four Muslim men in Albuquerque. While we await a full investigation, my prayers are with the victims’ families, and my Administration stands strongly with the Muslim community.
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 7, 2022
These hateful attacks have no place in America.
On Sunday, President Joe Biden tweeted: "I am angered and saddened by the horrific killings of four Muslim men in Albuquerque.
"These hateful attacks have no place in America."
BREAKING: the serial shooter who killed three Muslims in #Albuquerque over the past nine months murdered another Muslim last night. We are raising our reward for info leading to an arrest and conviction to $10K. Submit a tip to @ABQPOLICE by calling (505) 843-STOP. 1/3
— CAIR National (@CAIRNational) August 6, 2022
The Council for American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has urged the Biden administration to take a more active role in responding to the attacks and is offering a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Muslims in the city are said to be worried about further attacks.