NJ imam shot outside mosque in Newark

An imam was shot and killed in front of his Newark, N.J., mosque early Wednesday, local police confirmed.

The shooting occurred at about 6:15 a.m. outside the Masjid Muhammad mosque, just after the 6 a.m. morning prayer.

The imam, Hassan Sharif, was transported to a local hospital where he later died, the Newark Department of Public Safety confirmed. 

New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin (D) said the early investigation has found no signs that the shooting was motivated by bias or domestic terrorism.

“While we would orderly ordinarily not go public with this type of information so early in our process, we know and I know, that in light of global events and with a rise in bias directed at many communities we’re experiencing across our state, but particularly the Muslim community, there are many in New Jersey right now who are feeling a heightened sense of fear or anxiety at the news of this slaying,” Platkin said at a press conference.

Information on a suspect or motive was not released.

Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé remembered Sharif as a community leader and ally of local law enforcement. 

“He was a committed advocate who protested against gun violence continuously. He supported the city and all of its efforts helping to keep our city safe, and it is with a deep loss that the city will mourn his absence,” he said. “Let’s keep his family in our prayers.”

Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.) reiterated his commitment to supporting the Muslim community in a statement earlier Wednesday.

“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,” he said.

The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations released a statement calling on the community for help.

“We are deeply concerned about this incident and pray for the speedy recovery of the imam.” spokesperson Dina Sayedahmed said. “Anyone with information about the shooting should immediately contact local police.”

This story was updated at 5:17 p.m.