Transgender Muslim Antifa Protester Claims ‘Self-Defense’ as Phoenix Shooting Charges Dropped

By Matthew Holloway |

This Fourth of July in Phoenix, Arizona, turned tragic when a “pro-Palestinian” protest escalated into a fatal shooting. Paul Franco, 51, was killed amid the chaos after a confrontation between him, his girlfriend Stephanie Renteria, and the protesters.

Renteria recounted the ordeal, describing Franco’s attempt to protect her. “I just remember a black shadow walking up to Paul and then shooting him,” she said.

The Phoenix Police Department executed a search warrant on a suspect’s residence. The individual being investigated is Sumayyah Dawud, a Muslim trans Antifa member formerly known as Britney Erica Austin and originally, Eric Austin.

Andy Ngô, a journalist from The Post Millennial, detailed the suspect’s background. Dawud has a history of involvement in BLM-Antifa activities and has faced scrutiny for radical beliefs. In past legal battles, Dawud sued the Phoenix Police Department for removing his Muslim facial covering during an arrest. He claims he acted in self-defense when he shot Franco.

Video evidence from 12News and social media links Dawud to a previous incident at a Scottsdale restaurant. In this episode, Dawud participated in a protest that grew aggressive over the establishment’s use of Israeli products.

Franco’s and Renteria’s night had begun peacefully, following a Phoenix Fourth event at Steele Indian School Park. As they encountered the protesters on their way home, a verbal argument erupted into a brawl. Franco was shot multiple times near his apartment and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Phoenix Police Department initially detained a woman believed to be involved in the shooting but released her without charges. Both Franco’s family and Dawud claim self-defense was the motive behind their actions.

Footage from ABC15 and 12News provides further context, showing Franco and Renteria engaging with the protesters near the park. The argument intensified after they all returned to the apartment complex. Renteria described the hostile atmosphere where they exchanged eggs and rocks. She also recounted being physically attacked by another individual during the melee.

Renteria emphatically states the assailants fired first, disputing Dawud’s self-defense claims. “It was them that fired first,” she reiterated. In her interview with 12News, she expressed fear and a desire for accountability, stating, “I want the people that assaulted us to be charged. I want some type of justice.”

Ngô highlighted the family’s concern that local authorities might be hesitant to charge Dawud due to the political implications of the case.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.