Newark, New Jersey – In a distressing incident on Wednesday, Imam Hassan Sharif was fatally shot multiple times outside Masjid Muhammad, located in Newark just west of New York. The news was confirmed by New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, who stated that, at this stage, there is no apparent bias motivation or connection to domestic terrorism.
“We do not yet know the motivation for this crime (but) the evidence collected thus far does not indicate that this was an act motivated by bias or an act of domestic terrorism,” said Platkin, acknowledging the heightened fear in the Muslim community amidst global events.
With a population of 300,000 Muslim Americans, New Jersey has seen a rise in bias-related incidents. Essex County Prosecutor Ted Stephens shared that the Imam was shot more than once after 6 am, emphasizing that it does not appear to be a bias crime or terrorism-related.
The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed Sharif’s employment as a security screener at Newark airport since 2016. “We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and send our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues,” said Lisa Farbstein, a TSA spokeswoman.
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) shared images of police presence outside Masjid Muhammad-Newark, expressing condolences and describing Sharif as “a beacon of leadership and excellence.” CAIR advised mosques to remain cautious in the face of the recent spike in anti-Muslim bigotry.
By AFP
