An Afghan national who once helped the American forces in Afghanistan and fled his country fearing Taliban repression was shot dead in Durham, North Carolina.
The body of Ainzargul Totakhil, father of s Gen children, was found inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound, his cousin Yousaf Mangal told TV station WRAL. Totakhel used to drive Uber to support his family.
“He was just doing his daily work to make money and feed his family,” said Mangal
Totakhil and Mangal risked their lives to serve as translators for U.S. troops in Afghanistan and were given special visas to live in the United States about seven years ago, Mangal said.
They thought they would be safer, and Totakhil’s wife and children were preparing to move to Durham. In fact, his cousin said, Totakhel became a U.S. citizen in early December.
“We didn’t expect him to be killed because America is more safe than Afghanistan,” the TV channel quoted Mangal as saying.
Now, Totakhil’s family is preparing for his funeral. Mengal has created a GoFundMe account to assist with funeral expenses.
“Ainzargul Totakhil a devoted family man, loved by his community, friends and family; was an Uber driver. Durham police found Ainzargul Totakhil shot dead in eastern Durham Friday night December 30, 2022, in a car. Mr. Totakhil has left behind a wife and 7 children without any BREAD EARNER now,” the site states. As of January 9, a total of $49,463 were raised on GoFundMe, with donations continuing to pour in. Mengal is aiming to raise $60,000.
Durham Police told the station that no arrests have been made. A spokesperson for Uber confirmed the incident to the news station.
“We are profoundly saddened by the senseless act of violence that took Mr. Totakhil’s life, and our thoughts are with his family,” the rideshare company stated. “We are reaching out to offer support and we have been in touch with law enforcement on their investigation,” it added.