DETROIT (WXYZ) - Michigan Congressman John Conyers has asked the civil rights division of the US Justice Department to investigate the death of Imam Luqman Ameen Abdullah.

Abdullah was shot and killed back in October during an FBI raid. An autopsy report released Monday indicated that he had been shot 21 times.

Conyers announced his request at a Tuesday morning news conference. He was joined by members of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the American Civil Liberties Union. Conyers, who is chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, says he has been told that an investigation will be conducted.

Both the Dearborn Police Department and the FBI are currently investigating the case. It expanded out of an FBI investigation into the fencing of stolen merchandise. The October raids were conducted as part of that investigation. Agents opened fire on Abdullah after they say he killed an FBI dog and shot at federal officials from a warehouse.
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story/Conyers-Wants-Imams-Death-Investigated/RTNdDXxf9kKjcasqqJiSgQ.cspx

Imam's Death Investigated
Rep. John Conyers Wants Investigation Launched

POSTED: Tuesday, February 2, 2010
UPDATED: 1:11 pm EST February 2, 2010

DETROIT -- The widow of a Detroit mosque leader killed in an FBI raid said she was shocked to learn her husband was shot 20 times.

Amina Abdullah said Tuesday she couldn't eat or sleep after the autopsy report was released Monday.

The FBI said Luqman Ameen Abdullah was killed in October after resisting arrest and firing a gun at an FBI dog inside a Dearborn warehouse.

Amina Abdullah's lawyer said the government is now moving to deport her to Tanzania. The 36-year-old had hoped to become a legal U.S. resident through her marriage to the imam.

U.S. Rep. John Conyers joined Amina Abdullah and other groups Tuesday at a news conference.

Conyers said he's pleased the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division will look at Abdullah's death.

After the conference Conyers told Local 4's Jim Kiertzner that he did not want to comment on his wife's legal battles.

Watch: Conyers, Local 4 Confrontation

The Council On American-Islamic Relations said it has requested a Freedom Of Information document from the government to see if they can get records from the investigation.

"Sent in a request seeking any possible video footage at that warehouse the day the imam was killed," said Dawud Walid with the council.

The Americana Civil Liberties Union has also launched an investigation.

"We were concerned about the apparent use of power and excessive use of force," said Michael Steinberg with the ACLU. Dearborn police are also investigating and will turn their findings over to the Michigan State Police.

The FBI said it's standard practice in a fatal shooting.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22410230/detail.html

Previous Stories:
February 1, 2010: Autopsy: Detroit Imam Shot 20 Times
November 17, 2009: Groups Seek Probe Into Imam's Death
November 2, 2009: 2 Islamic Suspects Fight Extradition
November 2, 2009: Funeral For Slain Imam Draws Hundreds
October 29, 2009: Son Of Slain Imam Arrested In Canada