A New Jersey imam was fatally shot outside a mosque in Newark on Wednesday morning, authorities reported. The victim, identified as Imam Hassan Sharif, was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.New Jersey Imam shot outside a mosqueThe shooting occurred just after 6 am outside the Muhammad Islamic Center. The circumstances and motive remain unclear, with no one in custody yet, police stated. Officials are still investigating if the imam was specifically targeted.Briefing about the incident, Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said that no further details are currently available on the tragic incident. The mosque has also not provided additional information when contacted.The states largest Muslim advocacy group CAIR-NJ is gathering information and urging cooperation with law enforcement. We are deeply concerned and pray for the imams speedy recovery, spokesperson Dina Sayedahmed said.New Jersey Governors stance:Governor Phil Murphy promised to protect all houses of worship and residents. I want to assure the Muslim community and all faiths that we will do everything to keep everyone safe, especially near places of worship, he remarked on the shooting.The attack has stirred anxiety within the Muslim community already concerned over rising bias incidents. Authorities are investigating possible motives, including potential hate crime links.Police have intensified patrols around mosques and Islamic centres as a precaution while the probe continues into the tragic killing of the revered faith leader.
