NEWARK, NJ — In a shocking incident early Wednesday morning, an imam, Hassan Sharif, was fatally shot outside the Masjid Muhammad mosque in Newark. The shooting, which occurred shortly after 6 a.m., led to Sharif’s death from multiple gunshot wounds.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens confirmed the details of the incident during a press conference. Sharif was attacked in his vehicle and later succumbed to his injuries in a local hospital.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin addressed the public, highlighting the absence of evidence suggesting the shooting as a bias-motivated crime or an act of domestic terrorism. However, he acknowledged the current climate of heightened fear within the community, especially following recent incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia in the United States.
These concerns have been amplified since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza. In response, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued security guidelines for faith-based communities, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and coordination with local authorities.
Platkin revealed that since October, law enforcement presence has been increased at houses of worship in New Jersey, focusing particularly on mosques and synagogues. This move aims to enhance security and reassure communities amid growing tensions.
New Jersey Public Safety Director Fritz Frage reiterated that the investigation is ongoing, with no current evidence pointing to a bias-motivated attack. Authorities are pursuing all leads to uncover the motive behind this tragic incident.