NORFOLK, Va. — The son of a community activist who advocates for gun violence prevention was shot and killed in Norfolk, according to police.
Police say just after 10:30 p.m., on Thursday, June 29, officers were dispatched to the 9600 block of 1st Bay Street after receiving a report about a person who had been shot.
At the scene, police say they found 33-year-old Ali Muhammad suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and police say they’re investigating his death as a homicide.
Ali’s father, Bilal Muhammad, confirmed to News 3 that the man who died is his son.
Bilal is a well-known activist in the Hampton Roads community, and is outspoken about preventing gun violence. At public events, he speaks about ways to combat gun violence and create a safer community. Bilal previously told us that advocating for change is personal for him after losing his brother to gun violence years ago.
On Friday, community members held a rally where Ali died on 1st Bay Street. Bilal and Ali's three children were in attendance.
At the rally, Bilal told us he was on the phone with his son when he heard the gunshots.
"We’re here today because we witnessed last night our beloved son, Ali, was gunned down right on the other side of this building right in the parking lot," said Bilal to a crowd at the rally.
Norfolk police attended the rally as well, and after it was over, they spent time with Ali's young children, comforting them and even doing cartwheels at their request.
Following the rally, Bilal went to the nearby apartment and called upon neighbors to come forward if they know anything about Ali's death.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit a tip through the P3Tips mobile app.
This is an ongoing investigation. Stay with News 3 for updates.
