The Public Safety Department in Newark has announced the death of an Imam who was shot earlier today outside the “Mohammed New Ark” mosque in the state of New Jersey.
Police reported that the Imam was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition.
However, there is currently no available information regarding the perpetrators or the motives behind this incident. Law enforcement authorities will provide updates as necessary.
The police are conducting an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident. State Attorney Matthew Platkin emphasized that the state has witnessed a rise in bias incidents against members of the Muslim community.
The American Islamic Relations Council’s New Jersey chapter urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact the police. Dina Sayed Ahmed, a spokesperson for the American Islamic Relations Council in New Jersey, expressed deep concern over the incident and called for the Imam’s swift recovery.
The group stated that regardless of this specific incident, it is advised that all mosques to keep their doors open but exercise caution, especially in light of the recent increase in bigotry against Muslims.
