Las Vegas NowLas Vegas Muslims React to Fort Hood Shooting

Las Vegas Muslims React to Fort Hood Shooting

As Americans across the country come to grips with the Fort Hood tragedy, many still wonder what motivated the suspected shooter, Major Nidal Malik Hasan.

"We don't know all the answers yet and I would caution against jumping to conclusions until we have all the facts," said President Barack Obama.

But for some, speculation has already begun in part because of Hasan's religious background in Islam. Witnesses say the suspected gunman shouted out Allahu Akbar, a Muslim declaration that God is great, before opening fire. "No philosophy, no religion could ever justify this murderous act," said Muslim activist Yasser Moten. "If Islam says don't kill incident civilians and a Muslim does it, there is no connection there."

Moten says ever since 9/11, things for Muslims living in America have never been the same. In fact, following Thursday's shooting, Moten admits even some of his female friends who wear head scarves were left shaken. "They were very hesitant to go out in public yesterday night because of fear of retaliation," he said.

A harsh reality Moten says many who practice his faith are faced with daily. "It's very disheartening sometimes to hear these things because religion, it's part of who we are. We live our lives within our religion," he said.

But Moten says the key is educating and informing the public about their religion and beliefs. "I think these types of actions should unite us instead of dividing us, because all of us are the victims," he said.