The imam of a mosque in Newark, New Jersey, was shot and killed on Wednesday. An unknown attacker shot several times from outside the temple at Hassan Sharif, the Muslim leader of the mosque, who was taken to the hospital where he later died. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin said the killing did not appear motivated by "bias" or "domestic terrorism."
However, despite the fact that the Prosecutor's Office rules out religious motivation, Democratic Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement in which he asked anyone with information to provide data in this regard:
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 places of worship.
My prayers are with Imam Hassan Sharif, who was the victim of a shooting earlier this morning outside the Masjid Muhammad Mosque in Newark.
Anyone with information relevant to this shooting is urged to contact the Newark Police Department at 1-877-NWK TIPS. pic.twitter.com/3YWijvt7vl
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) January 3, 2024
A $25,000 reward is being offered for any information about the shooting.
The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed that Sharif had worked as a security screener at Newark Airport since 2016. "We are deeply saddened to learn of his death and send our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues," said Lisa Farbstein, TSA spokesperson, in statements reported by AFP.
