Abbas Al Tamimi of Dearborn is in need of medical help and donations following an unprovoked shooting in the city on June 26.

DEARBORN — In the early hours of the morning on Saturday, June 26, Dearborn resident Abbas Al Tamimi was walking home on Reuter Street near Blesser Avenue after visiting a friend.

But what unfolded next was anything but friendly as Al Tamimi was struck in the head with a gun before being shot in the upper back area by a group of assailants that had followed him home.

According to Lieutenant Mark Tobias of Dearborn Police, the gun discharged as it was swung at Al Tamimi, resulting in one of the three attackers being shot  in the leg. Al Tamimi reacted to the initial attack by swinging his suitcase, in self-defense. Police believe that the initial gunshots scared the attackers, who subsequently shot Al Tamimi twice in the upper back area before fleeing.

His wounds are shown. Two bullets remain under his skin because he could not afford to have them removed.

He managed to avoid serious damage from the bullets, but for Al Tamimi, the fight to save his life in the wake of the attacks has just begun.

Al Tamimi doesn’t have health insurance and is unable to work due to injuries suffered in the attack. He is currently in dire need of monetary donations as well as medical and/or psychological help.

The bullets remain lodged in his body after the shooting because he can’t pay to have them removed, and he suffers from numerous side effects from the gun attack that left him unconscious with a swollen left ear.

His friend, registered nurse Ibrahim Sammour, talked about the challenges Al Tamimi currently faces.

“He cannot lay back or move and he’s suffered trauma and dizziness…he’s afraid to go back to his house and afraid of anything involving the darkness,” he said.

Al Tamimi will likely also need a place to stay as well, and Sammour stressed the need for help as soon as possible as his conditions have worsened in the weeks following the attack.

“He’s looking for medical and psychological support, he just has no endurance and he walks around with a feeling of impending doom…he’s been a victim of violence for no reason,” he said.

Al Tamimi said he has tried to stay upbeat after the attack, but he remains troubled and desperate for help from the local community.

“I try to laugh and to forget my pain, but it’s hard,” he said. “I went to a restaurant and the waitress asked me why I looked so sad, and I say ‘I don’t know.'”

“I try to forget about the situation but it’s not easy.”

Three suspected attackers were apprehended after the incident and are now being charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, and felony firearm possession. Three others waiting in a car one block away during the attack were taken into custody and eventually released.

As of presstime, a physician had contacted The Arab American News seeking the phone number of Al Tamimi, after reading his story in last week’s edition.  He met with him and agreed to provide/pay all medical expenses. Other community members wishing to help Al Tamimi receive the care and medical attention he desperately needs can reach him at 313.424.2626.