IOL: The parents of a Muslim who opened fire at a Jewish center in Seattle, killing a woman, apologized for Jewish groups, saying the attack was nothing but the act of a mentally ill man.“They don�t want this to be seen as creating any hatred between Jewish and Muslim people. The Haqs are very religious people,” Larry C. Stephenson, the family’s lawyer, told The New York Times on Tuesday, August 1.

“It�s basically telling the people that they�re very sorry for the tragedy that happened, that they�re praying for them,” he added.

Naveed Afzal Haq, 30, opened fire on Friday, July 28, inside the office of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle after forcing his way inside.

Pamela Waechter, 58, the federation�s director, was killed in the shooting while three other victims remain in serious condition.

Investigators told Reuters Haq picked up the semi-automatic weapons and ammunition at two different shops the day before the shooting after going through the required 5-day waiting period to buy a handgun in Washington state.

Dan Donohoe, a spokesman for the King County prosecuting attorney�s office, said Haq would be formally charged this week.

Haq is being held on one count of homicide and five counts of attempted homicide; his bail is $50 million.

US Muslims, who took the brunt of federal power and measures applied in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, have championed local campaigns to reach out to fellow Americans and convey the peaceful message of Islam.

The Muslim Students Association organized on April 10-14 an Islam Awareness Week in the city of Texas, including a film festival featuring short films dealing with stereotypes and misconceptions about Muslims and their faith.

Two recent polls showed that almost half of Americans have a negative perception of Islam and that one in four of those surveyed have “extreme” anti-Muslim views.