Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Richard Dawkins condemns Chapel Hill shooting suspected to have been carried out by 'anti-theist' that left three Muslims dead

The atheist philosopher asked how anybody could not abhor the violence 

Helen Nianias
Wednesday 11 February 2015 11:00 GMT
Richard Dawkins is known for his outspoken views
Richard Dawkins is known for his outspoken views (AFP/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Richard Dawkins has decried the shooting in North Carolina that left three young Muslims dead in their family home.

The vocal opponent of organised religion called for condemnation of the massacre on Twitter.

The victims were identified as Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, his wife Yusor Mohammad, 21, and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19.

A 46-year-old man, named by police as Craig Stephen Hicks, has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of first-degree murder.

His Facebook page describes him as a fan of TV show Friends, as well as Dawkins' own book, The God Delusion.

Police were called to the scene after the sound of gunshots was reported at 5.11pm in a block of flats on Summerwalk Circle in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The victims were found dead at the scene. Some residents were unaware there had even been a shooting until police arrived.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in