2024-01-03 20:26:41
An imam has died following being shot outside his mosque in Newark early Wednesday morning, law enforcement sources said. New Jersey’s attorney general said there is no evidence the crime was motivated by bias as the investigation continues.
Newark police responded to a call of a shooting at 6:15 a.m. at South Orange Avenue and Camden Street near Masjid Muhammad-Newark, which had a 6 a.m. Fajr prayer service on its schedule.
A city spokesperson confirmed the shooting victim is an imam at Muhammad Mosque-Newark. A person who opened the door at the mosque later Wednesday morning told NBC New York the victim is Imam Hassan Sharif.
The victim was transported to University Hospital in critical condition, the city’s public safety director said. Law enforcement sources told NBC News the imam died from his injuries around 2:20 p.m.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Plotkin said bias did not appear to be a motive for the shooting.
“This investigation is ongoing, but at this time we do not have any information suggesting the crime was motivated by bias,” Plotkin said in a statement. “Every possible angle will, of course, be explored and every lead will be fully investigated to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice.”
Sharif worked as a security officer for the Transportation Security Administration at Newark Airport since 2006, the TSA confirmed to NBC New York.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and send our condolences to his family, friends and co-workers,” a TSA spokesperson said in a statement.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations’ New Jersey chapter said it is also working to get more information on the shooting.
“We are deeply concerned regarding this incident and pray for the speedy recovery of the imam. Anyone with information regarding the shooting should immediately contact local police,” Dina Sayedahmed, communications manager at CAIR-NJ, said in a written statement.
Gov. Phil Murphy said his office and New Jersey State Police are supporting the investigation.
“At this point, we do not have any information regarding the perpetrators or motivations behind this incident, but I know law enforcement will provide updates as appropriate,” Murphy said. “At a time when the Muslim community is concerned by an increase of bias incidents and crimes, I want to assure the Muslim community and people of all faiths that we will do everything in our power to keep all residents safe, especially in or near our houses of worship.”
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My prayers are with Imam Hassan Sharif, who was the victim of a shooting earlier this morning outside the Masjid Muhammad Mosque in Newark.
Anyone with information relevant to this shooting is urged to contact the Newark Police Department at 1-877-NWK TIPS. pic.twitter.com/3YWijvt7vl
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) January 3, 2024
Nassau County, New York is increasing patrols of local mosques in the county as a result of the shooting.
“While there is no information at this time concerning the cause of the shooting, out of an abundance of caution I am increasing patrols to protect the Muslim community,” Blakeman said.
Prosecutors are expected to hold a news conference at 4:30 p.m. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and the Newark Police Department are jointly investigating the shooting. The FBI’s Newark office told NBC New York they are not involved in the investigation at this time.
Anyone with information on the shooting is being asked to call Newark police at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477).
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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