Md. Congressman Speaks Out About Latest ISIS Beheading

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The US confirms that American Peter Kassig, held hostage by ISIS since last year, has been beheaded. His parents have spoken out.

Pat Warren has reaction to this latest act of terror.

Appeals to ISIS fell on deaf ears as it carried out what President Barack Obama called an act of pure evil. The Kassigs are now grieving for their son.

Peter Kassig, a 26-year-old former Army Ranger who founded an aid organization to help wounded Syrians is the latest Westerner beheaded by Islamic State militants. Parents Ed and Paula Kassig spoke publicly a short time ago, referring to their son by his Islamic name, Abdul Rahman.

"Greater love hath no man than this, than to lay down his life for another. A while ago, we were informed that our beloved son, Abdul Rahman, no longer walks this earth. Our hearts, though heavy, are held up by the love and support that has poured into our lives these past few days," they said.

Kassig converted to Islam after he was captured on October 1 last year.

Video shows the Islamic militant standing over Kassig's head. That video also shows extremists beheading Syrian soldiers.

Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, calls it barbaric.

"Part of beheading Americans and Europeans is to gain attention. This is well planned. They are continuing to recruit not only in the United States but all over the world," Ruppersberger said.

ISIS says the executions are retaliations for US air strikes.

"Our hearts are battered but they will mend. The world is broken but it will be healed in the end and good will will prevail as the one God of many names will prevail," the Kassigs said.

Five Westerners have been beheaded by ISIS. Two others, a British journalist and an American aid worker, are held captive.

A US-led coalition has carried out 31 airstrikes on Islamic State Group targets since November 14.

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