NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey imam shot outdoors a Newark mosque on Wednesday succumbed to gunshot wounds, authorities stated.
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin stated that the imam’s loss will likely be felt throughout the state and metropolis. He stated the proof doesn’t point out a motive associated to bias or terrorism.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows under.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey imam was critically wounded in a taking pictures outdoors a mosque on Wednesday. Officers sought to establish and arrest the shooter, and whereas the motive wasn’t clear, the governor promised to do what’s potential to guard homes of worship.
The cleric was shot after 6 a.m. outdoors the Masjid-Muhammad-Newark Mosque, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé stated in an emailed assertion. The sufferer was taken to close by University Hospital and is in vital situation, authorities stated.
Hours later, police had nobody in custody.
It’s unclear what led to the violence and if the imam was focused. Fragé stated the taking pictures is below investigation and no different data is out there. A message searching for extra data was left with the mosque.
Gov. Phil Murphy recognized the sufferer as Imam Hassan Sharif. He famous that authorities haven’t any details about who shot him, or why.
“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,” Murphy’s assertion stated.
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, stated it’s gathering data and urged individuals to contact native police.
“We are deeply involved about this incident and pray for the speedy restoration of the imam,” CAIR-NJ spokesperson Dina Sayedahmed stated in a press release.
