MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Surveillance video shows the seconds after a business owner was shot and killed in Fraser.
Now, fellow Muslim business owners in Memphis are banding together to protect them.
Khalid Al Ghazali, owner of Royal Bee Beauty in North Watkins, has been identified as the victim in Saturday's shooting.
Warning: Graphic video below
Gazzali was driving his black truck out the back door of his store when a Toyota Sequoia blocked the exit, his family said. Three people then jumped out of the Toyota and began shooting.
At that time, Ghazali was seen on video footage trying to flee and ramming his truck into the Toyota.
However, the gunmen approached the driver's side window and continued firing.
Muslim business leaders gathered Thursday to announce the formation of the Memphis Muslim Chamber of Commerce (MMCC).
“We need safety. We can't operate as usual. Something has to change,” Nash Hassen said.
The new organization hopes to work with city and county leaders to protect Memphis businesses and customers.
“Lawyers, doctors, merchants like our brothers, we have a force of over 2,000 people here in Memphis and in South Carolina,” Talib ibn Karimescu said.
They say the death of father and husband Khalid al-Ghazali is the second Muslim businessman to be killed in two months.
In February, 18-year-old Fares Shihab was shot and killed at the Smoke and Vape Shop on East Shelby Drive.
“My community is angry about the current situation in Memphis. A lot of violence, a lot of crime, and things have to change,” Riyad Elkayat said.
The group has already begun planning youth initiatives for this summer in hopes of funding and support from leaders to build a stronger, safer business community.
