Imam Hassan Sharif, a New Jersey imam, was seriously hurt in a shooting outside the Masjid Muhammad-Newark Mosque on Wednesday.
The incident occurred after 6 a.m., leaving the cleric in critical condition as he was rushed to the nearby University Hospital.
Newark Official Confirms Mosque Shooting Probe
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and law enforcement officials are actively working to identify and apprehend the shooter.
Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé stated in an email that the shooting is under investigation, and no additional information is currently available. The mosque has not provided further details about the incident.
As of now, no one is in custody, and the circumstances leading to the violence, as well as whether the imam was specifically targeted, are yet to be determined. The lack of clarity surrounding the incident has raised concerns within the community.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed his concern over the incident, pledging to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of houses of worship. In a statement, Governor 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.”
Read more: Western Alaska Town Grapples With Prolonged Power Outage Spanning Several Days
Seeking Information on the New Jersey Mosque Shooting
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) New Jersey chapter, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is actively gathering information about the incident. They have urged the public to contact local police with any relevant information.
Dina Sayedahmed, a spokesperson for CAIR-NJ, expressed deep concern about the incident and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of Imam Hassan Sharif.
The shooting adds to the growing concerns about bias incidents and crimes targeting religious communities. As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits answers, and authorities are working diligently to bring the perpetrator to justice and ensure the safety of residents, especially those in and around places of worship.
Read more: US Implements New Laws In Response To 2023’S 650+ Mass Shootings
