Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Waterloo, Iowa native Zemir Begic. Over the weekend 32-year-old Begic was beaten to death by a group of hammer wielding teenagers in the St. Louis, Missouri area. The Associated Press is reporting that Begic and his wife were in their car near Bevo Mills just before midnight Saturday when a group of juveniles surrounded his vehicle and began pounding on his car. Begic got out of his car and was almost immediately attacked by the group.

The St. Louis Metro Police found Begic lying unconscious with injuries to his head, abdomen, face, and mouth at roughly 12:15 Sunday morning. He was taken the hospital, and then pronounced dead.

In an interview with KSDK Arijana Mujkanovic, Begic’s wife explains how his last moments were spent saving her life: “The last thing he did before he actually died was pull me out of the way and put himself in front of me, basically giving up his life for me,” Mujkanovic says.

KWWL is reporting that Begic was a native of Waterloo who was a student in the Waterloo district but did not graduate from there, according to Waterloo Schools spokeswoman Tara Thomas. According to his Facebook page, Begic attended Waterloo West.

St. Louis Police have arrested a of pair teens aged 15 and 16. They’re reportedly still looking for two more. No motive for the attacks have been announced.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help pay for Begic funeral arrangements.

Please remember this story the next time you and your loved ones are out in public. Being attacked by a mob of hammer wielding teens was probably one of the last things Zemir Begic and his wife had on their minds, but that does not mean the threat does not exist. This is another reminder that no matter where you are you must be prepared to defend yourself. Your personal protection is your responsibility. The police simply cannot be everywhere, and this is an unfortunate but perfect example of that fact. Please take a moment to visit our Permits, Training, and Iowa Carry Law Info page for more information on ways to protect yourselves and your loved ones.

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.