In the memory of Española shooting victim Muhammad Afzaal Hussain

Muhammad Afzaal Hussain came to Albuquerque in 2017 to study in the University of New Mexico. 

He made a mark early on and was elected President of the Graduate Professional Students Association. He had a deep interest in politics and joined the campaign of Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury to get recognition in the political circles. 

As her field organizer he brought various ethnic groups to engage in the political process.

After graduation he joined the planning staff of the City of Espanola and was promoted to Chief City Planner. 

He was dedicated to creating safe multipurpose spaces in the city. 

He created a wide network of friends in the state and rallied the Pakistani students to create a formidable cricket team to compete against other country teams.

Muhammad Afzaal died in a hail of gunfire outside his apartment at 9pm on August 1, 2022. He was 27 years old. There is no obvious motive for his murder and the assailants have not been apprehended. 

Muhammad Afzaal’s murder was one of three murders of Muslims in a six day period. These have caused great anxiety among the students and the larger Muslim community. The Governors office, FBI, local and state police are collaborating with the District Attorney’s office to solve these crimes. 

There is an urgent appeal for any information related to these killings. Large rewards are being offered by the Council on American Islamic Relations and the Islamic Center of New Mexico for information leading to the arrest of the murderer. 

A GoFundMe account is collecting money to support the family during this difficult time. Donations will also be used to establish a school in Pakistan where Muhammad Afzaal grew up. 

Written By Abbas Akhil.