BUFFALO, N.Y. — Hundreds turned out Tuesday at the Buffalo Muslim Center to remember the lives of Babul Meah and Abu Yousuf, the two men killed in a tragic shooting at a home on Zenner Street on April 27.
Meah and Yousuf were handymen who had gone to do work on the home when, according to Buffalo Police, they were shot by a "squatter" who had been living there. Yousuf died on the front porch. Babul was rushed to the hospital but later died.
By all indications, the attack happened "unprovoked" and is not being considered a hate crime, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia has said. Nevertheless, it has sent shockwaves of fear and anger through Buffalo's Bangladeshi community.
Those emotions, however, were put aside to remember both men during a Janazah on Tuesday.
A Janazah is a traditional prayer part of the Islamic funeral ritual. It's performed in congregation and the greater the number of people that participate, the "more perfect" it is for the deceased.
"Asking better for them since they passed away, asking forgiveness from our creator for that person as they pass away, they can't do it anymore," said Tawfiq Inqiy.
Inqiy didn't know Babul or Abu personally but felt the need to send off his brothers in faith.
After the prayer, those who came to pay tribute spilled onto the front steps of the Buffalo Muslim Center. The crowd was followed by the body of Abu Yousuf, he was carried out and taken to be buried.
2 On Your Side learned that the Meah family chose to have Babul laid to rest in Maryland, where he spent 30 years of his life.
"This is impressive that people are supporting us. I can't tell you the amount... there are people bringing in the food and asking what they can do. I mean all the community people not only from Bangladesh," said Abdul Khan the President of the center.
Money was collected on the front steps to be donated to the families.