Killed Watching Snow: Immigrant Shot And Killed While Watching First Snowfall In America

A man was killed while watching snow fall. An immigrant from Iraq was reportedly shot by an unknown assailant in Dallas, Texas, while standing in a parking lot with his wife and his brother, watching the snow fall on March 5. According to Fox 44 News, Ahmed Al-Jumaili, 36, had never seen snow before, and was taking it all in with his family. They were enjoying the sight, and taking some photos when at least one person opened fire.

Police are currently investigating the shooting, but say that they don’t know if Al-Jumaili was targeted. A possible motive is also unclear at this time.

“When shooting broke out, Al-Jumaili cried ‘I’m hit!’ according to [Dallas police spokesman Jeff] Cotner, basing that on statements from witnesses and the victim’s relatives. He ran to his apartment nearby and died a few hours later. Police did not say where Al-Jumaili was struck or how many times he was shot.”

Killed while watching snow, the immigrant had only been in the U.S. for three weeks. Witnesses say that they heard multiple shots fired in the area, but police don’t know if the shots were fired from just one rifle. The exact type of weapon used is unknown. According to Al Arabiya, police are asking for the public’s help to find the person or persons responsible for this murder.

“We can’t solve this crime alone. This is one of those times we need someone to understand what occurred and give us the information we need to make those responsible for this action be held accountable,” said Cotner.

As previously reported by the Inquisitr, there were eight bullets in a nearby truck, and a ninth bullet found its way to Al-Jumaili. This is just one of the reasons that it’s unknown if he was the intended target.

“Because of recent incidents targeting American Muslims, including the murder of three young Muslims in North Carolina, we urge law enforcement authorities to address community concerns about a motive in this case,” CAIR-DFW Executive Director Alia Salem said. Many can’t help but wonder if this was a hate crime, and who would have known Al-Jumaili’s origin before this shooting.

Witnesses did say that they saw a couple of men enter the gates to the apartment complex before the shooting, but it’s unknown if any other description was given. Police are offering a $5,000 reward for anyone who has information leading to an arrest in this case. So far, there are no leads in the case.

[Photo courtesy of the Dallas Police Department via Al Arabiya]