The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) expresses condolences to Mr. Ehab Hawatmeh and the entire Hawatmeh family over the loss of his wife, Diana Hawatmeh and their 12-year-old son Joseph “Jojo” Hawatmeh. His wife and son were shot down and killed in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 3, 2020. His 16-year-old daughter, Yasmeen Hawatmeh was also shot and is in critical condition after undergoing surgery.
Facts show that the perpetrator, who was killed in a shoot-out with law enforcement, lived in the same apartment complex as the victims. The family split their time between Nevada and Utah. The family is a pillar of the Salt Lake County Catholic community. Diana worked as a substitute teacher, a popular Zumba instructor and entrepreneur. Joseph was a seventh-grader at Saint John the Baptist Middle School.
ADC Legal Director Abed Ayoub states, “This is a very sad case and our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Hawatmeh and his family. At the moment the motive for the shooting is unknown. We have requested that law enforcement investigate whether or not the race and national origin of the victims played a role in their killing.
ADC asks that you keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. We will provide any updates on this case as they become available.