INDIANAPOLIS – The parents of American captive Peter Kassig are pleading for his release after an Islamic State video surfaced last week threatening his life.
He was taken captive by ISIL in October 2013. Kassig converted to Islam while in captivity, changing his name to Abdul Rahman Kassig.
The 26-year-old is an Indiana native and former Army Ranger who was honorably discharged. Kassig attended Hanover College and Butler University before returning to the Middle East to provide aid to Syrian refugees.
In a video released last week, ISIL beheaded British captive Alan Henning and named Kassig as the next target.
“We implore his captors to show mercy and use their power to let our son go,” Peter’s father, Ed, said in a video statement Saturday.
Kassig’s mother, Paula, quavered, “Most of all know that we love you and our hearts ache for you to be granted your freedom so we can hug you again and set you free to continue the life you have chosen.”
“The life of service to those in greatest need.”
