Authorities Investigating the Shooting of Imam Hassan Sharif as Police Seek to Identify Suspect

An imam in New Jersey is fighting for his life after being critically shot outside a mosque in Newark on Wednesday morning. Authorities are currently working to identify the shooter, with no one in custody at this time. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but New Jersey’s governor has pledged full support to safeguard places of worship.

The incident took place after 6 a.m. outside the Masjid-Muhammad-Newark Mosque. The victim, later identified as Imam Hassan Sharif, was rushed to University Hospital in critical condition. While law enforcement continues their investigation, there is no confirmed information on whether the imam was deliberately targeted.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy responded to the incident by assuring the Muslim community and people of all faiths that authorities would do everything possible to ensure the safety of houses of worship. “We are committed to keeping all residents safe, especially in and around places of worship,” Murphy said in his statement.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) expressed deep concern over the attack. The organisation, which represents the largest Muslim civil rights advocacy group in the US, is gathering details and urging the public to come forward with any information related to the incident.

“We are praying for the imam’s swift recovery and are closely monitoring the situation,” said Dina Sayedahmed, a spokesperson for CAIR-NJ.