Social Media Pledges #IllWalkWithYou After Muslim Men Shot Dead In NYC

Following the shooting deaths of two Muslim men walking from a mosque in New York, social media users have offered to accompany members of the faith through their neighbourhoods with the #IllWalkWithYou hashtag.

Maulama Akonjee and Thara Uddin, both of whom were wearing Islamic garb, were shot yesterday following their afternoon prayers. The shooter has not yet been identified.

In a statement, the New York City Police Department said they couldn’t yet determine a motive for the killings, but they will be investigating all possibilities.

Seperately, Afaf Nasher, leader of the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ NYC arm, said “we are calling for all people, of all faiths, to rally with compassion and with a sense of vigilance so that justice can be served.”

That call for collective vigilance seems to have been adopted by Twitter users from every corner of the nation, who have offered their time to join Muslims in public if they feel unsafe doing so alone:

Muslim friends in DC — hmu if you’d feel even a little bit safer having company in public. #IllWalkWithYou.

— Natalie (@fruitbatalie) August 14, 2016

To my Muslim neighbors in Birmingham, Alabama #IllWalkWithYou anywhere, any time.

— Zelda Hallman (@zeldahallman) August 14, 2016

Atlanta, anywhere I am. I will walk with you! #ILLWalkWithYou

— Danelle Gibson (@DanelleGibson) August 14, 2016

If you’re in Chicago, please know that #illwalkwithyou

— Casselle (@casselle) August 14, 2016

To any Muslim friends in South Florida, #IllWalkWithYou proudly. I am sorry for any hatred or ignorance to which you may have been exposed.

— Felicia (@Felicia81477149) August 14, 2016

#IllWalkWithYou Los Angeles. Any time.

— original blampo (@auroranibley) August 14, 2016

phoenix, az. real tall white guy who loves walking. #illwalkwithyou

— Jakems (@JakeTheOliveira) August 14, 2016

Of course, the hashtag echoes #IllRideWithYou, which was spawned from the story of a Muslim woman removing her hijab on Sydney’s public transport to avoid conflict with other passengers.

That movement was referenced by Twitter user Lexi Alexander, who kickstarted the campaign this morning.

Australians offered Muslims #IllRideWithYou, I’d like to offer my Muslim neighbors #IllWalkWithYou to & from mosque https://t.co/Kf6M2U4S9W

— Lexi Alexander (@Lexialex) August 13, 2016

RIP Maulama and Thara.