Butler Group to Hold Vigil for Captive Aid Worker Kassig

The Muslim Student Association at Butler University will be holding a prayer vigil for Abdul Rahman (Peter) Kassig and his family Wednesday. 

Kassig, a former Butler student, was taken captive by the Islamic State group Oct. 1, 2013, in Syria, where he was providing aid for refugees fleeing that country's civil war. Late last week the group named Kassig as the next victim of beheading.

The Kassigs pleaded for their son's freedom in a video statement released Saturday.

According to a former Islamic State hostage, Kassig voluntarily converted to Islam sometime between his capture and December 2013, the Kassigs said.

The Butler Student Government Association said that Wednesday's vigil would feature a number of Muslim speakers talking about Peter and his background, and that the event is "meant to be something focused on Peter and his family, not on ISIS and the political situation." 

The event will take place at 6 p.m. on the lawn between Irwin Library and Atherton Union.