FLORIDA – Florida Muslims have launched a fundraising campaign to help families of the deadly school shooting in which 17 people were killed earlier this week.
“These efforts began immediately after the 14 February shooting that resulted in the deaths of 17 people with dozens wounded and hundreds of other young students and adults terrorized,” read the appeal launched by three Islamic groups rallied together under The South Florida Muslim Federation, Inc., The Independent reported.
“Let us all help assist the victims of the deadliest school shooting in the history of Florida.”
Seventeen students and teachers were killed on Wednesday when Nikolas Cruz opened fire on his former classmates at Stoneman Douglas High.
An arrest affidavit from Broward County Sheriff’s said that he “confessed” to the massacre, admitting he “began shooting students that he saw in the hallways and on school grounds.”
The group aims to raise $10,000 (£7,100). Less than two days after the mass shooting, it had raised $4,000
They said the money would be given to the local Broward Education Fund to help those caught up in the “tragic events.”
They added that the platform was “the only fund to support and help victims and families.”
The web page also issued a wider appeal to the community and called for blood donations and for mental health professionals to offer free counseling.
“Our beloved Prophet Muhammed reminded us of our duties towards our neighbors,” it said.