In Newark, New Jersey, authorities are searching for the person who shot and killed Imam Hassan Sharif outside the Masjid Muhammad-Newark. The imam, known as a community leader, was shot several times just before the dawn prayer and later died in the hospital.
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II stated that it doesn’t seem to be a biased crime or related to terrorism, although investigators are still working to determine the motive. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized the need for information from the public and mentioned that they currently lack details about the motivation behind the shooting.
The killing has sparked concerns amid rising threats, violence, and hate speech against Muslim and Jewish Americans since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. A large crowd gathered in Newark to mourn Imam Sharif, expressing their anguish and demanding an end to violence.
Daud Haqq, president of the Tri-State Imams Council, expressed deep distress over the incident, highlighting the heightened fear and anxiety in the Muslim community. Authorities had already increased security around mosques and places of worship statewide in response to previous incidents.
Governor Phil Murphy reassured the Muslim community, stating that law enforcement would provide updates as more information becomes available. Imam Hassan Sharif, recognized for his advocacy against gun violence, played a significant role in the community’s safety efforts.
Sharif’s mosque, Masjid Muhammad-Newark, was part of the city’s “safe surrender” program, providing a space for fugitives to turn themselves in to reduce the risk of violent interactions. He had served as the resident imam for about five years and was involved in interfaith initiatives in Newark.
The New Jersey branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations praised Sharif as a “beacon of leadership and excellence” and advised mosques to remain cautious due to the recent increase in anti-Muslim bigotry.
Aneesah Abdullah, a friend of Sharif, described him as a wonderful human being who contributed to various religious communities. In addition to his role at the mosque, Sharif had worked as a transportation security officer at Newark Liberty International Airport since 2006, according to the Transportation Security Administration, which expressed deep sadness at his passing.
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