New Jersey Prosecutor Vows to Find Assailant in Shooting of Mosque Imam

CHICAGO: Attorney General Matthew Platkin of New Jersey held a press conference in Chicago, where he pledged to apprehend the assailant responsible for the shooting of Hassan Sharif, the 52-year-old imam of the Masjid Muhammad-Newark mosque. The incident occurred on January 3 and has sparked concerns about the safety of the Muslim community in the state.

Despite not initially believing the incident to be motivated by Islamophobia, Platkin and other law enforcement officials in New Jersey are diligently pursuing the investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrator. Witnesses reported that the shooter, who was dressed in all-black clothing, fled the scene after the attack on Sharif, which took place at approximately 6:15 am within the mosque premises.

“Imam Sharif’s tragic death adds to the senseless gun-violence epidemic plaguing our state and country. Combating this epidemic is our top priority, and we are resolute in bringing these perpetrators to justice,” declared Platkin during a media briefing held on Thursday.

As of now, the authorities have not yet identified a suspect in the case. Platkin acknowledged the impact of the killing on the Muslim community in the region, stating that the wound caused by this tragedy will never fully heal. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to address the ongoing gun-violence epidemic and prevent future families from enduring the pain currently experienced by Imam Sharif’s loved ones.

Platkin confirmed that the investigation remains active and does not indicate any form of religious or racial bias at this stage. However, this assessment may change as the investigation progresses and more information comes to light.

Democracy Now! and other sources have reported a previous assault on Sharif, which occurred last August. Platkin also acknowledged the rise in violence, particularly against the Muslim community, and expressed concern over this troubling trend.

Masjid Muhammad-Newark is predominantly attended by African American worshippers and is situated within an African-American community. Sharif’s murder marks the second violent attack on an imam in New Jersey in recent times. In April 2023, Imam Sayed Elnakib, the imam at Omar Mosque in Paterson, was stabbed in the back while leading prayers. His assailant, Serif Zorba, was promptly apprehended by congregants and later charged with attempted murder.

In response to Sharif’s killing, the Council on American Islamic Relations of New Jersey offered a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the assailant. Additionally, Crime Stoppers USA, a national organization, has pledged a $25,000 reward for relevant information.

The news of Sharif’s death has garnered condolences from across the nation. The Muslim Public Affairs Council in Los Angeles expressed their sympathy for the Newark Muslim community, praising Imam Sharif’s tireless efforts in promoting interfaith understanding and unity.

Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, who has faced criticism regarding her alleged lack of empathy towards the killing of Muslims and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, issued a statement expressing her condolences to Sharif’s family. She also expressed her concern about the alarming rise in gun violence in America.

“The fatal shooting of Imam Hassan Sharif is devastating. My heart goes out to the Muslim community in New Jersey, which is already experiencing a concerning rise in Islamophobia, as well as to his loved ones and all those who were inspired by his leadership,” said Duckworth.

It is worth noting that Attorney General Platkin and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy previously announced the state’s inaugural Muslim-American Heritage Month, reflecting their commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating the contributions of the Muslim community in New Jersey.