The Southern Tier’s Muslim community is reacting to the slaying of Binghamton University Professor Richard Antoun by graduate student Abdulsalam Al-Zahrani .
Imam Kasin Kopuz of the Southern Tier Islamic Organization says Professor Antoun was a dear friend of the Muslim community, often participating in programs put on by the center.
Imam Kopuz say although Al-Zahrani is Muslim, he doesn’t believe that will cause a backlash towards Muslims in the community.
“He was not affiliated with us at all. At the time of the incident we were here in our most sacred time to pray here and he was not and never has been in our program,” said Imam Kopuz.
Imam Kopuz says a moment of commemoration will be held for Professor Antoun before one of the organization’s programs Sunday.