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A dedicated imam, committed to ensuring the safety of his community, tragically lost his life after being shot outside his mosque in Newark, New Jersey.
Hassan Sharif succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds around 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, following the morning incident, as announced by officials during an afternoon news conference.
Sharif, who had served as a transportation security officer (TSO) at Newark Liberty International Airport since 2006, received condolences from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In a statement, TSA expressed deep sorrow and extended sympathies to his family, friends, and colleagues.
During the news conference, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin emphasized that the evidence collected so far did not suggest bias or domestic terrorism as motives for the act. However, authorities vowed to utilize all available resources to solve the case.
The shooting occurred outside the Masjid Muhammad-Newark mosque at approximately 6 a.m., according to Newark Public Safety. The imam, also known as a mosque’s cleric or prayer leader, was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition.
Governor Phil Murphy conveyed his prayers for Imam Hassan Sharif, expressing concern for the Muslim community amid an uptick in bias incidents and crimes. While details about the perpetrators or motivations remained scarce, Murphy assured that law enforcement would provide updates as needed.
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II disclosed that Sharif sustained multiple gunshot wounds and, despite efforts, succumbed to his injuries hours later at the hospital.
Sheriff Armando Fontoura announced a $25,000 reward through Essex County Crime Stoppers for individuals providing information related to the shooting. The New Jersey branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations urged those with information to contact the police, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, especially in light of recent anti-Muslim bigotry incidents.
