A 55-year-old Orange County, Florida, man’s home was shot at Sunday, causing concern that he might have been targeted after terrorists attacks in France because of his Muslim faith.
The victim, who told WFTV that his name is Amir Elmasri but is listed as Mahmoud Elmasri in an Orange County sheriff's report, was not home at the time of the shooting, which he believes happened between 8 and 10:20 a.m. Sunday.
During terrorist attacks in Paris Friday night, 129 people were killed and hundreds were wounded. Extremist group the Islamic State took credit for the attacks and warned of similar attacks in the United States.
When he arrived home, Elmasri found a bullet hole in his garage door. The bullet traveled through the door and a wall inside the house and came to rest in a dresser drawer in his bedroom.
Orange County sheriff’s deputies found evidence that three shots were fired at the home.
Damage to the residence was estimated at about $800.
“Mahmoud advised that he does not have any problems with anyone and does not know who may be involved in this incident,” the sheriff’s report said.
Police did not have any suspects in the case and did not find any evidence that the shooting was a hate crime based on Elmasri’s religion. Regardless, the man “expressed concern and believes this incident may be retaliation toward him for the recent terrorist attacks in France because he is Muslim,” the report said.
He plans to press charges if a suspect is found.
