Murdered Local Journalist Described As "Gentle Soul"
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A spokesman for the family of murdered American journalist Steven Sotloff described the South Florida native as a "gentle soul" in a prepared statement made just a day after video showing Sotloff being beheaded at the hands of an ISIS terrorist was released.
"Ever since Steve was abducted on August 4, 2013 in Aleppo, his family has refrained from speaking about his incarceration," friend and spokesman Barak Barfi said of the family's private pain. "We break that silence to share Steve's story."
Click here to watch Lauren Pastrana's report.
Sotloff, 31, was a journalist who was captured in Syria last summer.
News of his captivity was kept quiet, until two weeks ago, when a fellow prisoner and journalist, James Foley, was murdered. His killing was also shared in a video posted online.
At Sotloff's family home in Pinecrest, friends and loved ones have stopped by to offer their condolences.
"Steve was no hero, like all of us, he was a mere man who tried to find good concealed in a world of darkness, and if it did not exist, he tried to create it," Barfi said.
WATCH: Sotloff Family Spokesman Makes Statement Outside Of Pinecrest Home
More than just a family spokesperson, Barfi was also Sotloff's longtime friend, who at one point went to the Middle East in hopes of brokering his release.
"I failed you. I left you in the field to meet your fate. I will carry this burden until I meet you, but I will never forget your kindness. Watch over me," Barfi said.
On Wednesday, President Obama condemned the killing.
He's ordered an additional 350 U.S. troops to Baghdad to protect U.S. personnel and facilities against ISIS terrorists.
"We will not be intimidated. Their horrific acts only unite us as a country and stiffen our resolve to take the fight against these terrorists," the President said in a news conference during his trip to Europe.
Secretary of State John Kerry referred to the Islamic extremists as savages.
"The United States will hold them accountable no matter how long it takes," Kerry said.
At the NATO Summit, President Obama will try to develop an international coalition to defeat ISIS. But he has pleaded for patience...acknowledging it will take time to build support in the region.
"Today we grieve. This week we mourn. But we will emerge from this ordeal," Barfi said. "Our village is strong. We will not allow our enemies to hold us hostage with the soul weapons they possess-- fear."
RELATED CONTENT:
