On June 29, 2016, Anthony Sawani allegedly shot five men in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in what is being described as an anti-Muslim hate crime.
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Events
Sawani, aged 26, was leaving a bar with friends at 2:30 a.m. when they encountered a group of five Somali men wearing traditional qamis, who had been playing basketball nearby and were walking towards their car. One of Sawani's friends asked one of the Somalis about his clothing. As the Somalis began to get into their parked car, another of Sawani's companions reportedly made a derogatory remark about Muslims, and, when one of the Somalis objected to the remark, Sawina allegedly shouted, "What if someone said it? What if?" At this point, Sawami is alleged to have drawn a gun and begun shooting at the Somalis, hitting the car windshield. Two of the Somalis were shot in the leg and treated at a hospital.
Legal proceedings
Sawina has been charged with multiple counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. He faces up to seven years in prison.
Reactions
Congressman Keith Ellison has called for the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate.