Announcing the loss of an ACC community member - Ahmed Zainuldeen
In the late evening hours of September 19th, our community experienced a tremendous loss when Ahmed Zainuldeen was murdered outside of his Denver apartment.
Ahmed, a 23-year-old Iraqi, arrived in the U.S. less than a year ago along with his parents and his younger brother. Ahmed was the victim of a carjacking outside his family’s apartment complex that ultimately turned fatal when he was shot by one of the suspects. ACC’s mission is to help refugees and immigrants achieve safe, sustainable lives in Denver, and we are devastated that one of our community members did not find that safety in his new home in Colorado. Ahmed and his family, like all refugee families ACC serves, left their home country to escape persecution.
ACC staff members, along with members of the Iraqi community and the Colorado Muslim Society, are assisting the family with their most urgent needs, including preparations for a funeral. We are grateful to our staff members and other volunteers who have dropped off hot meals and other supplies to the family members.
ACC is in communication with the Colorado State Refugee Program, specifically the State Refugee Health Coordinator, to discuss the provision of culturally appropriate mental health resources to family members, neighbors, and community members affected by this tragedy. ACC has also been in touch with other refugee families who reside in the same apartment complex and are concerned for their safety. In partnership with the Colorado State Refugee Program and local law enforcement, ACC intends to host a community meeting for these residents to voice these concerns.
How to Help:
A Go Fund Me has been launched to support Ahmed’s family during this time. Please consider donating to offset the costs of the funeral service, their relocation to a new apartment complex, and the loss in income from their son, Ahmed.
Media Coverage:
9 News - Family of Iraqi refugee killed in carjacking plead for answers
Denver 7 - Refugee family waits for justice after son killed in Arapahoe County carjacking
Media Contact:
Ron Buzard, Managing Director