NEW JERSEY — An imam died after being shot outside a mosque in Newark early Wednesday, according to law enforcement sources.
Newark police responded to a call of a shooting at 6:15 a.m. at South Orange Avenue and Camden Street, near Masjid Muhammad-Newark.
A city spokesperson confirmed that the shooting victim is an imam of Masjid Muhammad-Newark. A person who opened the mosque door Wednesday morning told NBC New York that the victim is Imam Hassan Sharif.
Following the shooting, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (or CAIR-NJ) issued a statement.
“We are deeply concerned about this incident and pray for the imam’s speedy recovery. “Anyone with information about the shooting should immediately contact local police,” Dina Sayedahmed, communications manager for CAIR-NJ, said in a statement.
Sharif was taken to University Hospital in critical condition, the city’s public security director said Wednesday morning. Hours later, police sources confirmed his death shortly before 2:30 p.m.
The Transportation Security Administration, the agency for which Sharif worked, also confirmed his death.
“Hassan Sharif was a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) at Newark Liberty International Airport since 2006. TSOs serve diverse traveler populations to protect the nation’s transportation systems.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and send our condolences to his family, friends and co-workers,” the agency said in a statement.
The motive for the shooting was not immediately clear and police are continuing the investigation. However, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement: “Although the investigation is active and ongoing, there is no information at this time to suggest that the crime was motivated by bias.”
“All leads will be investigated to bring the perpetrator to justice,” said County Attorney Theodore N. Stephens II.
Authorities ask if anyone has information about the case, to contact the Newark Police Department’s tip line at 1-877-NWK TIPS (1-877-695-8477).
2024-01-03 20:20:03
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