Muslim shopkeeper wished happy Easter to Christians, killed

A Muslim shopkeeper, 40-year-old Asad Shah, was killed on Thursday night in Glasgow hours after he wished Christians a happy Easter on Facebook.

The Independent reports that an eyewitness had seen two men attack the shopkeeper. They were quoted as saying, “One was stamping on his head. There was a pool of blood on the ground.”

Medics reportedly tried to revive Shah but he died on the way to the hospital.

Hours before the attack, Shah had posted messages on Facebook calling for religious harmony. “Good Friday and very happy Easter, especially to my beloved Christian nation x!” he wrote.

Scottish police say the killing is being investigated as “religiously prejudiced”. Police say a 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with Shah’s death. The suspect, who police say is Muslim, has not been identified or charged.

Vigils were held on Friday in memory of Shah. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined the vigil in support of Shah and his family. Many lit candles and left flowers.

The police promised a full investigation into Shah’s death.