An imam died this Wednesday after that shot and seriously injured at the entrance to the Mohammed Mosque in the American city of Newark in the state of New Jersey, as reported by local police.
Identified as Hassan Sharif, The imam was shot at around 6:00 a.m. (local time). in front of the Masjid Muhammad Newark Mosque, where he served as a prayer leader, and died about eight hours later.
Authorities are investigating the incident, but New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin is currently telling NBC “There is no information to suggest the crime was motivated by bias.”.
Platkin realized that the crimes were carried out “Prejudice against members of the Muslim community is increasing” and was of the opinion that this case “will increase fear in the state,” for which he promised “to bring the author or authors to justice.”
The Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, also said this on the social network X (formerly Twitter). The “motives” of the crime are unknown and reiterated that the “Muslim community” was concerned about violence “based on prejudice.”
“I would like to reassure the Muslim community and people of all faiths that we will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of all residents.” especially in and near temples” said.
The New Jersey Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the countryexpressed concern this morning.
“We are deeply concerned about the incident and We pray for the Imam's speedy recovery. “Anyone with information about the shooting should contact local police immediately,” he said in a statement.
Sharif, a security guard at Newark Airport since 2006, He received a single shot, wounding him in the stomach and right arm.the police told the media.