Hassan Mahmoud Salameh, who was shot in Dearborn, Michigan. (Credit: Salameh's Facebook account)
BEIRUT — Hassan Mahmoud Salameh, a 26-year-old Lebanese man, was shot dead in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, on Tuesday, according to American and Lebanese media reports.
Salameh originally hails from Ebba, South Lebanon, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
He was shot in the parking lot of a restaurant, Xushi Ko, where he was dining on Tuesday evening, according to local Dearborn press.
"The incident took place at 9:28 p.m. The man and his fiancée were about to leave the restaurant and get into their black Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon when an armed suspect approached them and demanded their personal belongings," TCD News reported. "The suspect then fired several shots, hitting the man in the chest. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead."
An investigation was launched by local police.
Hassan Mahmoud Salameh, who was shot in Dearborn on Tuesday while exiting a restaurant with his fiancée. (Credit: Salameh's Facebook account)
Suspect allegedly wanted to 'steal' Rolex
The same media outlet claimed the suspect wanted to steal Hassan Salameh's Rolex.
According to TCD News, Salameh was the owner of Lama's Florist in Dearborn. This store is located three kilometers from the restaurant where the man was killed.
Contacted by L'Orient-Le Jour, an employee of Lama's Florist confirmed that the victim and his family were the owners of the flower shop. The employee said he was "shocked" to learn of Salameh's death "through the media."
"He was a very good and honest person," the employee said on condition of anonymity.
"I worked with Hassan on several events and I'm shocked to hear this news. He will be truly missed. My heart is broken," added a young woman who worked with Salameh in the past.
The Lebanese community in Dearborn, Michigan, is one of the largest in the United States. Many local businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores and boutiques, are owned by Lebanese.
Dearborn is also home to cultural centers and organizations that promote the preservation of the Lebanese language and culture.