#Illridewithyou is trending again after mosque shooting
A man cries as community members take part in a protest to demand stop hate crime after the funeral service of Imam Maulama Akonjee, and Thara Uddin in the Queens borough of New York City, August 15, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS
The cleric, Imam Maulama Akonjee and an associate, Thara Uddin, were walking together following afternoon prayers at the Al-Furqan Jame Masjid in New York's borough of Queens when they were shot dead.
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The move seems to be inspired by the Australian #illridewithyou in 2014 that was started to show support for Muslims following a siege at a Sydney cafe. Lexi Alexander, a filmmaker and former world karate and kickboxing champion, appears to have been the first to adapt the Australian hashtag for American use.
The motive for the murder is still unknown and no arrests have been made. But, the mayor’s office said the New York Police Department was exploring all potential motives, including the possibility of a hate crime.
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In a diverse neighborhood with a reputation for tolerance and relatively low crime, the mystery has raised suspicions among many residents that the brazen, daylight murders were inspired by hatred of religious or ethnic identities. An outdoor funeral was held for the two men on Monday. CAIR announced plans to give a $10,000 reward to anyone with information on the attacker that could lead to his arrest and help determine a motive.
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This article originally appeared on Indy100.