Does A Killer’s Family Deserve The Life Insurance Payout? (VIDEO


Last winter, there was a horrific shooting in San Bernardino, California on December 2 (my birthday, scarily enough), according to the New York Times. Two shooters killed about 14 people in the city. They went to an office party and opened fire on County workers. The dead suspects were identified as Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, and Tashfeen Malik, 29. They were married and had a 6-month-old daughter.

The suspects fled the scene in a black SUV, and the city was paralyzed. The governor declared a state of emergency. People were told to get off the streets and remain in their homes.

Not long after this, the government had a dispute with Apple over the shooters’ phone. The FBI wanted Apple to bypass its own security to help the government break into the iPhone.

Now, this incident is in the news yet again. The federal government is trying to stop Farook’s family from getting his $250,000 life insurance policy. They are arguing that these funds are derived from a terrorist act, so the government should seize the money.

U.S. Attorney Eileen Decker said, according to the LA Times, that:

“Terrorists must not be permitted to provide for their designated beneficiaries through their crimes … My office intends to explore every legal option available to us to ensure these funds are made available to the victims of this horrific crime. We will continue to use every tool available to seek justice on behalf of the victims of the San Bernardino terrorist attacks.”

Authorities say that Farook and a friend, Enrique Marquez, Jr., had been planning the attack since 2011, the LA Times reports. Marquez is still alive and has been indicted on charges of providing material support to terrorists, lying about rifle purchases, marriage fraud, and lying on a visa application.

Farook took out life insurance policies for $25,000 and $250,000. The policy’s beneficiary is Farook’s mother, Rafia Farook, and only his mother since he grew up with an abusive father.

Featured image via YouTube screengrab.

Hi, I'm from Huntsville, AL. I'm a Liberal living in the Bible Belt, which can be quite challenging at times. I'm passionate about many issues including mental health, women's rights, gay rights, and many others. Check out my blog weneedtotalkaboutmentalhealth.com