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JOSH LEDERMAN, Associated Press
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — The White House says a review of a new Islamic State video confirms the death of U.S. aid worker Abdul-Rahman (Peter) Kassig.
That announcement came Sunday as President Barack Obama flew back to Washington from Hawaii after a trip last week to the Asia Pacific region.
In the video released Sunday, a militant claimed to have killed the 26-year-old Kassig.
Kassig served in an Army special operations unit in Iraq and after he was medically discharged, he formed an aid organization in Turkey to help Syrian refugees.
The Indianapolis man delivered food and medical supplies, and provided care to wounded Syrian civilians before he was seized in eastern Syria last year.
Kassig was a 2006 North Central High School graduate. He served in the U.S. Army from 2006-2007, and then attended Hanover College, trained to be an EMT, and Butler University. He moved to Lebanon in May 2012.
He was taken hostage in Oct. 2013, but news of his captivity was not released to the public until last month.
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Nov. 16, 2014
Islamic State Video Claims To Show Killing Of Aid Worker, Indianapolis Native
The so-called Islamic State released a video early Sunday morning that claims to show the killing of an Indianapolis native and aid worker who was captured at a Syrian checkpoint last October.
Nov. 16, 2014
Kassig Family Statement On Video Release
Ed and Paula Kassig, parents of Abdul-Rahman (Peter) Kassig, issued this statement to the news media following reports of the video apparently showing their son dead.
Nov. 11, 2014
Another Plea For Kassig's Life
Friends of Abdul Rahman Kassig gathered in Lebanon to highlight his humanitarian work.
Oct. 17, 2014
Parents Of Abdul-Rahman Kassig Attend Friday Prayers at Al Huda Foundation
Ed Kassig and two of Abdul-Rahman’s friends, Emma Beals, a journalist covering the Middle East; and Eliot Stempf, a friend and colleague, offered remarks as part of the program.
Oct. 15, 2014
For Abdul-Rahman Kassig, Syria Meant A New Life
Abdul-Rahman Kassig went to Iraq as a U.S. soldier and returned to the Middle East to establish his own aid mission. Now he's a captive of the Islamic State in Syria, which is threatening to kill him.
Oct. 13, 2014
Parents of Abdul-Rahman Kassig Ask for Son's Release on National Television
The parents of Indianapolis-native Abdul-Rahman Kassig, formerly Peter Kassig, who’s being held captive by the so-called 'Islamic State', continue to call for his release. Kassig’s parents Ed and Paula made their plea this morning on national television.
Oct. 13, 2014
Kassig Family Releases More Excerpts from Son's Letter
Ed and Paula Kassig, the parents of hostage Abdul-Rahman Kassig, released additional portions of a letter received from their son while in captivity. Kassig, 26, a humanitarian aid worker and Indianapolis native, was working in Syria when he was captured on Oct. 1, 2013.
Oct. 10, 2014
Islamic Society of North America Hosts Program Honoring Aid-Worker Kassig
Community members again today gathered to call for the safe return of Indianapolis-native and aid worker Abdul-Rahman Kassig who is being held in Syria by the militant group calling itself the Islamic State.
Oct. 9, 2014
Prayer Service For Kassig Calls For His Release
The family of Abdul-Rahman Kassig's, who is being held by ISIS, wants people to focus on his humanitarian work and calls others to find ways to help Syrian refugees.
Oct. 7, 2014
Butler Group to Hold Vigil for Captive Aid Worker Kassig
The Muslim Student Association at Butler University will be holding a prayer vigil for Abdul Rahman (Peter) Kassig and his family Wednesday.
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