Tragedy struck in Newark, New Jersey, as Imam Hassan Sharif was fatally shot outside Masjid Muhammad mosque on Wednesday morning, succumbing to his injuries at the hospital. The incident occurred shortly after predawn prayers, and law enforcement is actively searching for the assailant.
According to police reports, the victim sustained a single gunshot wound to the abdomen and the right arm. In the wake of the shooting, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin acknowledged the rising trend of bias incidents against the Muslim community, expressing concern that this act of gun violence would further heighten fears in the state.
Platkin stated, “Every possible angle will, of course, be explored and every lead will be fully investigated.” Despite the tragic nature of the incident, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) highlighted that, as of now, no evidence has been uncovered suggesting a bias motive in the shooting.
In the aftermath of the October 7 attack, there has been a notable increase in hate crimes against Muslims in Western countries. The investigation into Imam Hassan Sharif’s murder continues, with authorities committed to thorough exploration of all leads.