An imam who turned into shot on Wednesday out of doors a mosque in New Jersey has died, America nation’s attorney general said, including that the killing did now not to begin with seem like pushed by means of “bias” or domestic terrorism.
Hassan Sharif became shot multiple times out of doors Masjid Muhammad in Newark, just west of latest York, earlier than being taken to health facility in which he later died, New Jersey lawyer trendy Matt Platkin said.
“We do not but recognise the motivation for this crime (however) the proof amassed thus far does no longer suggest that this turned into an act motivated by using bias, or an act of home terrorism,” stated Platkin.
He delivered that “in mild of worldwide events, and with a upward push in bias that many communities are experiencing across our nation — in particular the Muslim network — there are many in New Jersey proper now who are feeling a heightened feel of worry”.
The nation is home to 300,000 Muslim people, he said.since the outbreak of the conflict inside the Gaza Strip, there was an boom in Islamophobic and anti-Semitic attacks across america.
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The Essex County prosecutor, Ted Stephens, showed Sharif changed into shot more than once a little after 6am, and that “it does not seem the imam was the sufferer of a bias crime or that that is associated with terrorism”.
“we’re devoted to bringing justice for the imam’s family,” said Stephens, who called it a “dastardly crime”.
The US Transportation protection management (TSA) earlier confirmed that Sharif had labored as a safety screener at Newark airport seeing that 2016.
“We’re deeply saddened to examine of his passing and send our condolences to his circle of relatives, pals and associates,” stated Lisa Farbstein, a TSA spokeswoman.
Images posted by the brand New Jersey bankruptcy of the Council on American-Islamic relations (CAIR) confirmed police cars deployed outside the Masjid Muhammad-Newark, a two-story yellow and inexperienced complicated.
