Above: One of the memorials honoring Ali Mohammed during
the candelight vigil. He was killed by a gang of men last week.
The Hilltop
The Student Voice of Howard University
By Genet Lakew
Managing Editor
The block of Ali Mohammed’s death also served as the site of his vigil.
Friends, family, and members of the Ethiopian and D.C. community came together to remember the life of the 27-year-old man who died early Friday morning.
Attendees held up neon green and bright yellow signs that read “The Truth Shall Prevail,” “We Want Justice” and “Any Death Should Not Go Unpunished.” Some shined white and pink candles and another person hoisted the green, yellow and red Ethiopian flag. A few women were clad in all black attire, a way to show mourning after a death in Ethiopian culture.
While the debate over whether Ali’s death was homicide or if he died from preexisting conditions continues, his family and friends mourned his loss.
“My son was not a violent man and did not deserve to die as he did,” said his father, Ahmed Mohammed Galtchu, Tuesday evening, holding back tears.
Galtchu said he and his family hope for justice for his son and punishment for those responsible for his death. He thanked the crowd for coming out to show their support.
Ali died at approximately 3:15 Friday morning at Howard University hospital. Earlier, at 2:30 a.m., he was on 9th Street NW trying to get into the DC9 bar and club. To his disappointment, Mohammed was turned away from the party.
He allegedly threw a brick through the windows of the venue in frustration. Soon after, five men who worked at the club, including the owner, chased him down the 2000 block of 9th Street. According to statements made by D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier, these men allegedly “savagely beat” Mohammed to death.
The employees were arrested and initially charged with second-degree murder. That charge was later reduced to aggravated assault, a move that upset Mohammed’s family.
Ali’s cousin Nunu Wako, who spoke during the vigil, said she had never seen him raise a hand on others and the beating of “five to one is utterly barbaric, is savage.”
Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham was present and expressed support for the Mohammed family.
“We share the loss today of Ali,” said Graham. “We will have justice in this case.”
Graham emphasized his close relationship with the Ethiopian community in D.C. and particularly the unofficial “Little Ethiopia” neighborhood of 9th Street.
He announced that there is “evidence sufficient to justify charge of murder” in the case.
“Igziabeher yimesgen, amen, amen,” Graham said, meaning “Thank God” in Amharic, a few of the terms he picked up when he visited Ethiopia in 2004 and in his dealings with his Ethiopian constituents.
He urged the crowd to please let the situation run its course and allow the authorities to handle the case.
A woman from D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty’s African Affairs office read a letter from the Mayor, who shared his condolences for the Mohammed family.
Read the rest of the article at The Hilltop Online.
Video: Ethiopian Community Holds Vigil For Beating Death Victim
Video: Vigil Outside DC9 Nightclub Turns Into Anger
Video: Man Died After Beating Outside DC9 Nightclub (WUSA 9 Online)
Related video
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Related:
Is A cover up in the Making in Ali’s Death?
A Peek Into the DC9 Murder Investigation
Watch: Police Chief on alleged beating near DC9
Watch: Witness describes DC9 incident
Related:
Witness to D.C. beating says victim cried for mercy; 5 charged (The Washington Post)