Minnesotan among the 270 dead in Somalia bombing, family says

(KMSP) - The deadliest single attack in Somalia’s history killed more than 270 people and injured another 300. It was the most powerful blast ever witnessed in the African country's capital of Mogadishu, and it a Minnesotan family says one of their loved ones is among the victims.

The Bloomington man recently traveled from the Twin Cities to Somalia to try and make a difference in his home country.

First responders are having a difficult time identifying victims because most of the bodies are beyond recognition. 

Local activist Omar Jamal says the Minnesotan feared dead was a well-known community member.

“One very well-respected Somali community member have been reported killed, whom I happen to know him very well, back in Somalia when we were kids,” Jamal said.

According to a GoFundMe page, Ahmed Abdikarin Eyow was in a hotel in Mogadishu when the bombs went off. He was applying for a job with the U.N. to make a difference in his home country.

“He's a great father, and he served his community,” Bashir Eyow, Abdikarin’s brother said at a press conference. “I would like to say, we are very, very sad today. I appreciate it, and I thank you for your time.”

Somali authorities suspect the terrorism group Al-Shabab is responsible, but unlike in past attacks, the group hasn't rushed to claim responsibility.

“They're determined and committed to create havoc and chaos in the lives of millions of civilians, by killing them, slaughtering them,” Jamal said.

Muslim-American leaders say the attack shows Muslims often are the ones most impacted by terror overseas.

“We need to recognize that we as a community of peace around the world, are all in this together to fight terrorism,” CAIR-MN executive director Jaylani Hussein said.

Eyow leaves behind a wife and three children. His mosque is raising money to help the family.

There will be a vigil from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday at the Brian Coyle Center in Minneapolis for the people of Mogadishu and the families of Minnesotans impacted by the killing of their loved ones. 

Statement from Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar

“For so many people around the world, and here in Minnesota, this is a time of crisis. As we mourn the senseless killing of so many innocent people, unity in this time of crisis is crucial. Many of our neighbors are hurting and mourning lost relatives and friends. I hope Minnesotans of all races and religions will join us as we come together to process this tragedy and pray for the victims and their families.

“Deadly terrorist attacks have become common to the point of making us numb to their destructive force, but we should not be numbed because of the race, religion, or geography of an attack of this magnitude. We mourn with the families of Mogadishu as we mourned with the families in Paris, Beirut, Brussels, New York, and Baghdad, and many others. In all these attacks, terrorists have attempted to shake our ability to see the shared humanity in one another by attempting to leave a mark of fear on the survivors, instead of a memory of the victims who are the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and grandparents of so many around the world and in our own community. We stand united for peace, and a world without terror.”