An Indiana native has been threatened as the next Islamic State beheading victim.
In a video released Friday, ISIL beheaded British captive Alan Henning and named Peter Edward Kassig as the next target.
A statement by the Kassig family Friday:
“The Kassig family extends our concern for the family of Alan Henning. We have read about his work and his generous character with great respect and admiration. We ask everyone around the world to pray for the Henning family, for our son, and for the release of all innocent people being held hostage in the Middle East and around the globe.”
The Indianapolis native is a former Army Ranger who was honorably discharged. The 26-year-old attended Hanover College from 2007 to 2009 and Butler University from 2011-2012, the Indianapolis Star reports.
His passion for helping others in the Middle East continued through college and he founded Special Emergency Response and Assistance (SERA), a group determined to provide food and aid to refugee camps in Syria.
He was taken captive by ISIL a year ago.
Learning of the threat to Kassig, Indiana Governor Mike Pence said, “Our prayers are with Peter Kassig and his family during this unspeakably difficult time. I urge all Hoosiers to keep this compassionate young man and those who know and love him in their thoughts and prayers.”
