Aid Jawid's Healing After Brutal Assault

Fox 32 Chicago news story

News Video report

I met Muhammad Jawaid last week on my way to work. He’s a student — a kind and thoughtful man working hard to build a better future through education. It was an intensely windy day in Chicago, and a cold chill ran through me as I stepped up to my Uber, juggling two coffees in my hands. Then I heard the teasing voice of my driver:

“Oh, thanks for getting me my coffee!”

I laughed, instantly warmed by his humor. During the ride, I got to hear a bit of Jawiad’s story — and what he shared left me stunned.

Last month, on a Friday evening, Jawaid was driving for Uber when he picked up three boys. Right away, he had a strange feeling — their names didn’t match the app, though they insisted they knew the person who ordered the ride and confirmed the correct destination.

When they arrived at the destination, the boy in the front seat thanked Jawaid and opened the door — and that’s when everything changed. Suddenly, one of the boys in the back seat struck Jawaid in the head. Before he could react, the group was calling him violent, hateful names. One of them came around to the driver's side, opened the door, and began beating Jawaid in the face with a gun. Their goal was to rob him and steal his car.

Bleeding and dazed, Jawaid managed to escape the vehicle and distance himself from his attackers. Thankfully, a stranger saw him on the street — bloodied and in pain — and called the police.

Since then, Jawaid has been navigating the aftermath of this traumatic event. He now faces an estimated $45,000 in dental and medical expenses to repair the damage to his teeth. He’s also dealing with legal fees as he works with an injury lawyer to seek restitution from Uber.

Jawaid did not deserve this — no one does. He is a peaceful, hardworking individual whose life was changed in an instant by senseless violence.

If you can, please donate to support Jawaid’s recovery. Every dollar counts. If you’re unable to give financially, your prayers and shares are just as powerful.

Let’s help this good man heal and move forward.