On this day, March 9, in 1977, 12 armed Hanafi Muslims seized three buildings in Washington, including the District Building, taking 149 people hostage and killing two.
Killed were a young radio reporter, Maurice Williams, and a security guard, Mack Cantrell. Councilman Marion Barry was wounded with a shotgun pellet that ricocheted into his chest.
The terrorists demanded the U.S. government hand over men who had been convicted of killing family and friends. They also demanded to see champion boxer Muhammad Ali and ordered the destruction of the movie “Mohammad, Messenger of God.”
Three Muslim ambassadors intervened, and the gunmen surrendered after 39 hours. The leader, , was sentenced to 21 to 120 years. He died in prison in 2003.
— Scott McCabe
