Amineh’s father, Michael Zakarneh is still recovering in the hospital from his gunshot wound, leaving his family searching for community support.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The daughter of the man shot near the Islamic School of Portland shared details on what led up to the altercation on Southwest Capitol Highway.
Amineh Zakarneh said Saturday that her father, Michael David Zakarneh, is still in the hospital and recovering from the gunshot wound. She said the violent incident is shocking to the Muslim community of Portland and is not at all a representation of their beliefs.
“The Muslim community here prides itself on being a safe haven, where you feel like you belong, where you feel like you are respected and loved,” Amineh said.
Now, speaking out for her family after her father was shot, she added, “And that is the direct opposite of what our religion calls for. Honestly, it is shameful.”
Amineh described her father as a devout Muslim who often dropped off her younger siblings at the school: “He keeps his faith very close to him, and it’s one of the most important aspects of his life, if not the most important aspect.”
Court documents state Zakarneh and the suspect, 42-year-old Noureddine Dib, both had children who attended the same school and mosque. Zakarneh told police they got into an argument while dropping their kids off at school. He said Dib gave him the finger and used inappropriate language in front of his children. He eventually approached Dib about it at a later drop-off.
“My father just wanted to talk very calmly,” Amineh said. “He explained to him that he just wanted to talk, and all of a sudden, the man pulled out the gun and shot him.”
Police found Zakarneh injured at a nearby Shell gas station on Southwest Capitol Highway. Dib now faces multiple charges, including second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault with a firearm.
“I just want justice for my dad, that’s all,” Amineh said. She expressed her family’s relief that her father is alive, stating, “He is a caring father. He loves my little sister; he just wants to hold her.”
Reaching out for support, Amineh expressed concerns about her father’s medical bills and ability to return to work.
“That is what we need right now,” she said. “Additionally, just thinking logically with everything that we’re going to have to be responsible for financially, it’s going to be difficult.”
Those wishing to support the Zakarneh family can donate on their GoFundMe page.
Dib’s attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday to discuss his release conditions.