A recent tragedy in Chapel Hill has quickly become a source of controversy around the globe. Last month, 46-year-old Craig Hicks was charged with shooting and killing three Muslims—a husband, wife, and the wife’s sister. The shootings sparked concerns that the violence may have been motivated by race and religion.

According to Hicks, the shootings were motivated by an argument over parking. However, the family of the victims’ believe his actions constituted a hate crime. According to the sister’s father, Hicks had frequently harassed the girls for being Muslims and wearing head scarves. [...]