Another Ferguson activist, Palestinian American Bassem Masri, has passed away. The St. Louis resident was known for documenting the Ferguson protests surrounding the Mike Brown case via livestream along with other significant demonstrations. His death was announced yesterday via Facebook by Masri's cousin Faizan Syed. He described him as a "fierce" man who fought for Black and Palestinian liberation.
Masri's Facebook page reveals he was a life insurance broker who attended Hazelwood Central High School. In August, he shared that he planned to run for the Missouri House of Representatives in 2020.
Journalist David Carson of the St.Louis Post expressed his condolences on Twitter. Carson explained that Masri fought for what he believed in and revealed the realities of life during Ferguson's unrest.
Sad news on Twitter about the passing of @bassem_masri, a live streamer who was frequently in Ferguson & other #STL protests. He could be very intense fighting for what he believed but he'd also spent time just talking calmly about life in general during quiet times at protests. pic.twitter.com/cPgp0LC2aG
— David Carson (@PDPJ) November 27, 2018
Masri is one of three other Ferguson activists who has died in recent years. Last May, Edward Crawford was found dead as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In 2014, DeAndre Joshua also died from a gunshot wound to his head in a death that was ruled a suicide. Just one year prior, Darren Seals was found dead in a burning car with six gunshots to his body.
In October, Danye Jones, son of protester Melissa McKinnies was discovered hanging from a tree in a reported suicide.
Supporters took to Twitter to express their thoughts about Masri's death:
Our friend and brother @bassem_masri RIP.
— MariaChappelleNadal (@MariaChappelleN) November 27, 2018
A fearless soldier.
A humble man.
A teacher.
A student.
A man of conviction.
My favorite warrior in the fight for freedom and equity. No person could be a more stronger and loyal ally than Bassem, no one! pic.twitter.com/LDQz4X5VPe
RIP Bassem Masri. He was a one-of-a-kind presence in the protests & helped to tell the truth about what was happening every day and night. We all felt his spirit in the streets.
— deray (@deray) November 27, 2018
RIP Bassem Masri. He was known as a tough activist and fighter for justice in St Louis. But in person, he was kind and compassionate, funny and sweet. He was always trying to help others.
— Sarah Kendzior (@sarahkendzior) November 27, 2018
I am heartbroken. I can't believe he is gone. RIP. 😢
Rest in Freedom @bassem_masri Please fam have a few people in your life that does a daily check on you and vice-versa. Bassem Masri was one of the first people I met in Ferguson. He was 100% real and also had a vision of what should be happening. The number of people who have
— Rosa A. Clemente (@rosaclemente) November 27, 2018
#RIP to my good friend/brother @bassem_masri who I met in Ferguson in 2014. #Bassem was one of the first ones who taught me how to Live Stream and every since then we became close #LiveStreaming friends!!
— Derk Brown (@DreadHead_46) November 27, 2018
✊✊#Bassem WAS FAMILY✊✊
🕊️ #LOVEYOU bro get your rest 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/a4E751m2Q2
The cause of Masri's passing is currently unknown.
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