Remembering Bijan Ghaisar: Vigil held for McLean accountant shot, killed by US Park Police

WASHINGTON - Nearly three weeks after a deadly shooting in Fairfax County involving U.S. Park Police, family and friends gathered to remember the life of Bijan Ghaisar.

About 1,000 people flocked to the Lincoln Memorial, a favorite DC spot of the 25-year-old accountant from McLean.

As friends and family remembered Bijan Ghaisar, they still waited to hear details from investigators on what happened to him the evening of Nov. 17. He later died on Nov. 27.

According to the FBI, which has now taken over the case, Bijan Ghaisar was involved in a hit and run in Alexandria. He allegedly led police on a chase that ended in Fairfax County with a crash.

It was then, Bijan Ghaisar's family said he was shot in the head three times while in his vehicle by an officer with U.S. Park Police. Authorities have not confirmed whether Bijan Ghaisar was armed, but his family said he was not.

Fairfax County provided back-up in the incident and FOX 5 recently learned the shooting was captured on one of their dashboard cameras. The video has not yet been released, pending the investigation.

Despite the mystery over what happened that night, Bijan Ghaisar's friends and family wanted the vigil at Lincoln Memorial to be about his life.

"I feel him hugging me when I look up at the sky," said Negeen Ghaisar, Bijan Ghaisar's sister. "And if you knew Bij, you know he gave the best hugs. He was everything to so many people. He was so full of life. We used to joke that he actually swallowed a microphone when he was younger. He was passionate about everything. He was caring. He was kind. He was so fun. He loved to debate."

"My heart is in anger," expressed a woman as she spoke to Bijan Ghaisar during the vigil. "I don't know how to fade it away. But I promise I will make it go away. For you my Bijan, I will work hard to put my anger away because you are full of love and forgiveness. That is your way. The memories I have with you will always follow me on my way. This I can promise. No one can take them away."

The family also released the following statement in regard to the ongoing investigation:

"Our family has been overwhelmed by the support and love that we have been shown since the unspeakable tragedy that took the life of our beloved son and brother, Bijan.

We have more questions than answers regarding the circumstances surrounding Bijan's death and tomorrow we will continue to seek justice in this manner. But tonight we come together surrounded by family and friends to honor Bijan's life as he would have wanted -- with peace and humanity. We are touched by both the public and private moments of remembrance, the stories both big and small of a beloved friend, brother, and son whose positivity and love of life struck everyone he met.

Tonight, together with those who love Bijan, we gather in a moment of unity to preserve his legacy, his passion for humanity, and his commitment to righteousness. We are here to promote togetherness, poetry and peace -- just like Bijan."

A Facebook group has been started for those remembering Bijan Ghaisar's life. You can learn more here.