Florida Community Mourns as Local Man, 20, Killed by Israeli Settlers

Sarasota, Florida, USA - On July 16, 2025, Florida’s political sphere took a somber turn following the tragic death of Sayfollah Musallet, a 20-year-old resident from Port Charlotte. Musallet was reportedly killed by Israeli settlers in Sinjil, located in the West Bank, during a visit to family. This incident has sparked outrage and grief, not only among his family and friends but also among the broader community, as emphasized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Florida chapter, which condemned the violence.

According to the Herald-Tribune, Musallet was severely beaten in a confrontation that also involved the gunshot death of another Palestinian, Hussein Al-Shalabi, who was shot in the chest. Reports indicate that it took medics three hours to reach Musallet, who died before reaching a medical facility. Additionally, ten other Palestinians sustained injuries during the chaos that ensued.

Community Response and Grief

Musallet’s family described him as a loving young man who worked at his family’s ice cream shop in Tampa and who had been visiting relatives in the West Bank since early June. His unexpected death has left a profound impact on those who knew him. During a news conference, Hiba Rahim, the deputy executive director for CAIR-Florida, voiced the immense grief felt by Musallet’s parents and called into question the U.S. government’s accountability regarding the protection of its citizens abroad.

CAIR-Florida did not shy away from calling out both the Israeli government and the previous Trump Administration for their perceived inaction, emphasizing that Musallet’s death is not an isolated incident. Sadly, he joins a heartbreaking list of U.S. citizens, including journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and activist Rachel Corrie, who have lost their lives in similar circumstances. CAIR has requested action from the Justice Department, though they were met with the response that the DOJ lacks jurisdiction over murders of Americans overseas.

Political Context

In a related development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has historically been an unwavering supporter of the Israeli government, was in Sarasota on the day details of Musallet’s death emerged. Despite being present at an event highlighting Florida’s top ranking in religious liberty protections, he chose to remain silent about the tragedy. The WSVN reports that this silence has drawn criticism, especially in light of the ongoing tensions in the region and the responsibility of government officials to address such serious matters.

The Israeli military has acknowledged the incident, stating that they are conducting an investigation. However, tensions remain high, particularly following claims that the confrontation was sparked by Palestinian youths allegedly throwing rocks at Israeli forces. CAIR and others are calling for thorough investigations and meaningful accountability, as well as discussions on how to protect Americans abroad better.

As community members gather to mourn Musallet’s death, they reflect not only on the loss of a cherished individual but also on the wider implications of violence and the seemingly endless cycle of conflict in the region. A memorial for the victims of this tragic event is set to take place soon, symbolizing the call for peace and justice in a world that often feels fraught with chaos.