ISIS Beheads U.S. Aid Worker Peter Kassig

Islamic State militants have released a chilling videotape on Sunday, November 16, showing the beheading a fifth Western hostage, an American aid worker, Peter Kassig, whom the group had threatened to kill in retaliation for airstrikes carried out by the United States in Iraq and Syria.

Kassig who was also known as Abdul-Rahman, was a former Army Ranger who went missing more than a year ago at a checkpoint in northeastern Syria while delivering medical supplies.

According to BBC News, unlike earlier videos, this one revels in gore. Amongst the boiler-suited captives murdered in cold blood is a man IS says is the former US soldier Peter Kassig, who converted to Islam and changed his name to Abdul-Rahman.

Neither his conversion, nor the fact that he was helping refugees when he was captured a year ago, appear to have saved him.

"We prefer our son is written about and remembered for his important work and the love he shared with friends and family, not in the manner the hostage takers would use to manipulate Americans and further their cause," said Kassig's family.

President Obama while confirming the killing of Kassig said “Today we offer our prayers and condolences to the parents and family of Abdul-Rahman Kassig, also known to us as Peter,”

During the president's statement, he addressed Peter Kassig with his Muslim name Abdul-Rahman. A name he adopted after his capture, making the point that the Islamic State had killed a one of their own (fellow Muslim). The President also acknowledged the “anguish at this painful time” felt by Mr. Kassig’s family.

RIP Peter Kassig.