In the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta, a tiny island nation, finds itself unexpectedly entangled in a web of intrigue halfway across the world. A man with ties to Malta is at the center of a shooting incident that through the US press corps at a gala in Washington D.C. Let’s look what we know so far about this unfolding saga.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, was born in Syria but has lived in the United States since he was three months old. However, his family has deep roots in Malta. His grandfather, Joseph Muscat, was a Maltese national who served in the British Army during World War II. Alissa’s father, Ali Alissa, was born in Malta and moved to the US in the 1960s.

Alissa himself has visited Malta multiple times, with his last known visit in 2019. He stayed in the bustling town of Sliema, a popular tourist spot known for its vibrant nightlife and shopping districts. Neighbors described him as a quiet, unassuming man who kept to himself during his stays.

On the evening of March 15, Alissa allegedly opened fire at a press gala held at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis, Maryland. The event was attended by hundreds of journalists, politicians, and media professionals. Five people were killed, and several others were injured before Alissa was apprehended by police.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Alissa’s social media profiles, which have since been taken down, reportedly contained anti-media sentiments. However, investigators are still piecing together a motive, with some reports suggesting a possible connection to a long-standing dispute with the newspaper.

Malta’s Prime Minister, Robert Abela, swiftly condemned the shooting, expressing his condolences to the victims’ families and the US press community. The Maltese Foreign Affairs Ministry has been in touch with US authorities to offer any assistance needed.

Locally, the incident has sparked conversations about Malta’s connection to the tragedy. The Malta-US Alumni Association, which includes many Maltese Americans, has expressed shock and sadness at the incident. The association’s president, Joe Gerada, noted, “We are thinking of the victims and their families, and we hope justice will be served.”

In the quiet town of Birkirkara, Malta, where Alissa’s father grew up, residents are grappling with the news. “It’s a small world,” said one resident, Maria Zammit. “We never thought something like this could happen, involving someone with Maltese roots.”

As the investigation continues, the focus is on understanding the motive behind the shooting and ensuring justice for the victims. Meanwhile, in Malta, conversations will likely continue about the unexpected connection to this tragic event. As for Alissa, his next court appearance is scheduled for March 29.

“We’re all waiting for more information,” said Joe Gerada. “We hope that the truth will come out, and justice will be served.”