Key Takeaways:
* Parents seeking ‘honor killing’ of their daughter arrested in Washington.
* Attack took place outside Timberline High School in Lacey, Washington.
* The attempt occurred after the teen refused an arranged marriage.
* Brave actions of a passerby, Josh Wagner, prevented further harm.
Honor Killing Attempt Outside a Washington High School
In a shocking incident, two parents in Washington have been accused of attempting to choke their teenage daughter in an attempted ‘honor killing’. The alleged event took place after the 17-year-old refused an arranged marriage to an older man in another country. The accused parents, Ihsan Ali and Zahraa Ali, were charged with attempted murder following the attack outside her school, Timberline High School in Lacey, Washington.
Further Intimidation by the Accused Parents
Adding to the crime, the teen’s father is also said to have physically assaulted her boyfriend outside of the school. Reports suggest that the accused father aimed a punch at the innocent young man’s face.
The teen has chosen to remain anonymous and hasn’t publicly identified herself. Speaking with police, she outlined a harrowing tale of intimidation from her father, who had reportedly been threatening her with death due to ‘honor’, in response to her refusal to comply with an arranged marriage.
Escalation of Tensions and Unfolding Attack
On October 18, the situation escalated. Seeking safety, the teenager fled from her home and approached the staff at her high school for support. It was then that her parents, not far behind, allegedly launched their attack on her. Witnesses report the father choking her until she lost consciousness right outside the school.
Witness Accounts and Surveillance Footage Detail the Attack
Further insight into the violence was provided via video footage and witness recollections. Several students, including the teenage girl’s boyfriend, attempted to intervene and separate the father from his daughter. Video footage purportedly shows the father pressing the girl down to the ground and pushing her face into the dirt. Shockingly, the mother also allegedly attempted to choke her daughter.
Proactive Response Prevents Further Harm
In a fortunate turn of events, good Samaritan Josh Wagner passed by the scene just as the violent assault was underway. Initially, he thought he was witnessing a scuffle between teenagers but upon closer inspection, discovered the horrifying reality of the situation. Wagner courageously stepped in and restrained Ihsan until the police arrived.
Impact on Witnesses and the Brave Victim’s Escape
Describing the atmosphere at the scene, Wagner explained how the kids were panicking. After the father was held down, the girl managed to rush away with her boyfriend back to the safety of the school building, screaming about her father’s attempt to kill her. The school was immediately put on lockdown and the alleged attackers, her parents, were denied entry.
Steps Taken by the School and Victim’s Boyfriend
After the disturbing incident, the school arranged for a safe place for the girl, providing her shelter as the police investigation continues. In an interview, the girl’s boyfriend revealed that they had been experiencing numerous issues with her family, forcing him to secure a temporary protective order against them.
In an era when human rights and individual freedom are highly valued, an act of such cruelty is alarming. The incident raises pressing questions about honor-based violence in the United States. Both the victim and the accused have the right to a fair and just investigation, and if found guilty, the parents must face the appropriate legal consequences.