The US imam who was shot on Wednesday outside a mosque in New Jersey has passed away, as confirmed by the state’s attorney general.
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin stated that the initial investigation does not suggest any apparent motivation related to “bias” or domestic terrorism.
Hassan Sharif sustained multiple gunshot wounds near a mosque in Newark, located just west of New York, and was subsequently transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
“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.
He added that “in light of global events and with a rise in bias that many communities are experiencing across our state, particularly the Muslim community, there are many in New Jersey right now who are feeling a heightened sense of fear.”
The state is home to 300,000 Muslim Americans, he said.
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Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, there has been a surge in Islamophobic and anti-Semitic attacks throughout the United States.
Essex County prosecutor Ted Stephens confirmed that Sharif was shot multiple times, stating that it doesn’t seem to be a bias crime against the imam or related to terrorism.
“We are dedicated to bringing justice for the imam’s family,” said Stephens, who called it a “dastardly crime.”
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has officially verified that Sharif held the position of a security screener at Newark Airport starting from 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.
Photographs released by the New Jersey division of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) depicted law enforcement vehicles positioned outside the Masjid Muhammad-Newark, a two-story building characterized by its yellow and green facade.
In a statement, CAIR described Sharif as “a beacon of leadership and excellence.”
“As always, and irrespective of this specific incident, we advise all mosques to keep their doors open but remain cautious especially given the recent spike in anti-Muslim bigotry,” the organization said.