TULSA, Oklahoma – More than 50 organizations have signed off on a letter to the City of Tulsa about the death Of Khalid Jabara.
The Jabara family says their neighbor gunned down the 37 year old on his front porch after years of racially charged harassment.
A wide range of local and national faith-based, civil rights, and advocacy groups signed off on the letter addressed and delivered to Mayor Dewey Bartlett.
The crime has prompted national outrage, as the Jabara family says their loved one was gunned down in front of their house because of his Lebanese heritage.
8/19/2016 Related Story: Tulsa DA: Jabara Family Did Everything They Needed To Do
Justin DaMetz with the United Campus Ministry at TU is a leader of one of the organizations that signed the letter written by the American Arab Institute.
“Obviously the justice system isn’t perfect, there’s never going to be a perfect resolution to anything; but, speaking for myself and UCM, we would just like the Mayor’s office and the Tulsa Police Department to do their due diligence to make sure that no stone was left unturned in the case of Mr. Jabara,” he said.
The letter states they want law enforcement to “Thoroughly investigate all possible motives for this heinous crime…Objectively, thoroughly, and efficiently to ensure that justice is served.”
8/21/2016 Related Story: Community Gathers To Remember Murder Victim, Khalid Jabara
Bartlett was quick to respond and released a statement Monday, saying:
“I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the Jabara family as the city of Tulsa and the entire nation mourn the loss of Khalid. The acts against Khalid and the Jabara family were entirely unjust and I have scheduled a meeting with the City’s public safety departments and the District Attorney’s office to make sure we are doing everything in our power to ensure the safety of our community. The city stands by the Jabara family in this time of need and they will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.”
DaMetz said it’s disturbing to hear about something like this happening so close to home.
“We want our brothers and sisters who are of Arab-American descent to feel as safe as I do walking around Tulsa every day or just being at their home,” he said.