U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, has asked U.S. Marine Corps Commandant General Robert B. Neller for "further clarification" about last month's death of U.S. Marine Corps Private Raheel Siddiqui of Taylor, Michigan.
In a letter sent earlier this week, Dingell describes Siddiqui as "a young man of Muslim faith who loved his country and wanted to serve it and protect the freedoms for which it stands."
Dingell wants to know whether hazing was involved in the March 18 death of Siddiqui, who arrived at Parris island on March 7 for boot camp.
Dingell writes that a thorough, unbiased and comprehensive inquiry should be completed as soon as possible, and asks for the timeline for completion of the Navy Criminal Investigative Service's investigation.
Dingell also wants a commitment from the Marine Corps to preserve all relevant records related to Siddiqui's death and to share them with Congress and Siddiqui's family.
NCIS spokesman Ed Buice said Siddiqui died of injuries sustained in a fall of about 40 feet from a stairwell, and that no foul play appears to have been involved. He said NCIS could provide no additional details because the investigation is ongoing.
