NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — On June 29, 2023, 33-year-old Ali K. Muhammad was shot and killed outside his home in Norfolk.
“Today is the anniversary of my son’s death and it was hard, but God listened,” said Cynthia Muhammad, Ali’s mother.
Bilal Muhammad, Ali’s father, is the founder of Stop The Violence Team, an anti-gun violence group founded 37 years ago.
“His last words were, ‘Please take the gun away from my face,'” Bilal said. “Those were his last words and I will never forget them.”
Bilal was on the phone with Ali and heard him being shot.
“One shot hit him in the chest and our son was lying right there, right next to his vehicle,” Bilal said.
Bilal said Ali left his house at night and went to work. He believes his son’s murder was planned.
“Sometimes I feel bad because if I had enough time to talk to that person, it wasn’t enough time,” Bilal said. “I would have said, ‘Why do you want to harm another human being? No matter how angry you are at my son, is it worth it? Is it worth it? Is it worth taking another innocent human being’s life?'”
Ali leaves behind his mother and father, five siblings and three daughters.
“A remarkable father. And he was so much in their lives, constantly, daily,” said Bilal. “He gave them everything, so much love.”
Ali died a day after Bilal’s brother Ruben Hargraves was shot dead in Portsmouth 41 years earlier.
“Our brother was 32,” said Bilal.
The trauma of both incidents leaves the family wanting the community to end the violence.
“We don’t let our intelligence – our intellect – think for us,” Bilal said. “We let our emotional disposition override our thoughts and our thinking. And we don’t consider that this person is just like me. ‘If I shoot him, it’s like shooting myself.'”
Bilal’s family celebrated Ali’s life with a barbecue.
“The mood is really good – we know a year has passed, but let’s come together and make a joint effort to hug and love each other more and think more about our son, the good times, the good days,” he said.
Bilal said his son has played a critical role in the fight against gun violence and the family will continue that mission.
“His work, his commitment, which he has always made in the committee, must be continued by his daughters – by us. And his work must never stop,” said Bilal.
Jalen Garces has been charged with first-degree murder in Ali’s death. His trial is scheduled for October 22, 2024.
