A 74-year-old gentleman has been accused of firing shots on the campus of Shaw University in downtown Raleigh, Tuesday.
Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots during the incident.
The alleged perpetrator, Kamal Rasool Abdal-Rafi, was apprehended close to the Shaw University International Studies Center on 130 Martin Luther King Blvd. As per WRAL News, a member of the staff mentioned that the lower level of that structure is utilized for lectures, while the upper level houses the King Khalid Mosque.
Shaw University suspect got into altercation with man before firing shots
As per the Raleigh Police Department, Abdal-Rafi engaged in a dispute with an individual outside the building and subsequently fired multiple shots at the individual. The Wake County ABC Law Enforcement reported that an officer, who happened to be nearby responding to an alcohol-related incident, heard the gunshots.
The officer was then guided to the Shaw University International Studies Center where a pursuit on foot ensued with Abdal-Rafi. Shortly after, the officer apprehended Abdal-Rafi and detained him until additional law enforcement personnel arrived to take him into custody.
Suspect had several firearms on him at time of arrest
The police department reported that Abdal-Rafi was found with a minimum of three firearms in his possession when he was apprehended, along with two more in his vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Suspect charged with multiple felonies
Abdal-Rafi faces charges related to assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, as well as multiple counts of discharging and possessing a firearm on educational property. It is important to note that neither the suspect nor the individual involved in the altercation have any affiliation with the university.
In a recent court hearing, Abdal-Rafi, a self-identified military veteran, revealed his struggle with reading legal documents due to partial blindness in his right eye since 2019.
The incident stemmed from his alleged displeasure with the victim walking his dog near the Mosque of the Late King Khalid bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud. As reported by CBS 17, Abdal-Rafi was a regular at the Mosque for prayers.
Fortunately, no one sustained injuries during the shooting incident.
Abdal-Rafi’s bond has been set at $250,000 and he faces up to 37 years in prison if convicted.
