Crime History - Hanafi Siege ends in D.C.
March 10, 2009
On this day, March 11, 1977, the deadly 39-hour Hanafi Siege in the District ends after more than 100 hostages are freed.
Two days earlier, 12 armed Hanafi Muslims stormed the B’nai Brith headquarters, the Islamic Center and the District Building, taking 149 hostages and fatally shooting two people.
Killed were a radio reporter Maurice Williams and Special Police Officer Mack Cantrell. Council member Marion Barry was hit by a shotgun pellet just above his heart.
The gunmen, led by Hamaas Khaalis, had several demands. They wanted the government to hand them men who had been convicted of killing Khaalis’ relatives. They also demanded to see boxer Muhammad Ali and wanted the movie “Mohammad, Messenger of God” be destroyed. Ambassadors from D.C. negotiated a deal, and the men surrendered. All 12 were convicted, with Khaalis receiving of 21 to 120 years. He died in federal prison in 2003.
