Members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria have reportedly threatened an Indiana native as its next victim, according to an Associated Press report.
A video released today purporting to show an ISIS fighter beheading British hostage Alan Henning threatened 26-year-old Peter Kassig as the group’s next victim.
Kassig’s family said he was working for a relief organization when he was captured on Oct. 1, 2013 as he was on his way to Deir Ezzour in eastern Syria.
Kassig listed his residency as Indianapolis when he enlisted in the Army in 2004, completing his training at Fort Benning, Ga. in 2006 before being deployed to Iraq from April to July 2007. Kassig served in the 75th Ranger Regiment, an army special operations unit.
He was medically discharged at the rank of private first class in September 2007.
Gov. Mike Pence released a statement asking residents to keep Kassig and his family in their thoughts.
"Our prayers are with Peter Kassig and his family during this unspeakably difficult time," Pence said. "I urge all Hoosiers to keep this compassionate young man and those who know and love him in their thoughts and prayers.”
Though the AP has not verified the video’s authenticity, it mirrored that of three others released by the group, each depicting the beheading of American or British citizens.
This is the fourth such video that has been released, marking the deaths of American photojournalist James Foley, American-Israeli journalist Steven Sotloff, British aid worker David Haines and Henning, who was taken hostage by the group on Dec. 26.
The full beheadings are not shown on the videos, however each depicts an English-speaking Islamic State fighter clothed in black, wielding a long knife and appearing to cut the victim.
This story will be updated.
Holly Hays
