Concern Grows For Americans Stuck In Egypt
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- There's growing concern for the Americans still stuck in Egypt.
Andrea Fujii reports how one Maryland company is trying to get them out.
Seriously wounded people have been pulled from the center of the protests in Cairo. Some Marylanders are still in the country, trying to get out. The U.S State Department has issued a last call for Americans trying to get out. They have said if they don't leave Thursday, they may not be able to.
But getting out isn't that easy.
Medex, a company based in Towson, is getting Americans out of Egypt, but it's proving to be tough.
Heavy gunfire continues to rip through the Egyptian capital of Cairo.
Reporters on the ground say the most violent round was started by supporters of President Hosni Mubarak. His supporters are torching cars and launching flares.
So far, at least five people have been killed and more than 600 have been injured.
"I don't know, this is, it has lost its mind. President Obama must intervene with us. We are dying. Egyptian citizens are dying. Please come to help us," said one man.
"President Mubarak has a chance to show the world exactly who he is by beginning this transition that is so desperately needed in his country and for his people now," said Robert Gibbs, White House Press Secretary.
Many Americans have been caught in the middle of the chaos. Some of them are either from Maryland or have family in Maryland.
"My aunties were all hearing gunshots outside," said Amy Michael, UMBC student.
"They're very scared, of course, especially that we live so many miles away from them," said Mina Attia, UMBC student.
"It's just terrifying because they're very close to it. Although, we spoke to them a couple days ago, anything can happen in a couple days," said Anthony Rizkalla, UMBC.
Medex is trying to help get Americans out as quickly as possible.
"We are assisting individuals from Maryland, as well as all around the states and other countries outside of the United States," said Susan Torroella, Medex Global Solutions.
Even if Americans can get out, there's great concern for the Egyptians left behind.
"They came down with the sticks and the rocks and they're beating them up and there are so many injured," said one woman.
Mubarak says he will step down, but not until September when his term expires.
More than $1.5 billion in aid goes to Egypt every year. Money could be cut off depending on Mubarak's decision.
