Hassan Sharif, the imam who was shot today outside a mosque in New Jersey, has died, reports CNN.
The imam passed away around 2:20 p.m. local time.
Sharif has worked as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) at Newark Liberty International Airport since 2006, the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of his death and extend our condolences to his family, friends and associates,” it said.
The shooting happened outside the Masjid Muhammad-Newark mosque around 6 am. The imam of the mosque was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, police said earlier.
“At this time we do not have any information about the perpetrators or the motives behind this incident, but I know that law enforcement will provide updated information as needed. At a time when the Muslim community is concerned about an increase in bias incidents and crimes, I want to reassure the Muslim community and people of all faiths that we will do everything in our power to keep all residents safe, especially in or near our place of worship,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in an earlier statement.
While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, it comes amid increasing reports of threats, violence and hate speech against Muslim and Jewish Americans since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October.
“At a time when bias incidents against members of the Muslim community are on the rise, we know this act of gun violence will heighten fears and concerns in our state,” Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement.
He added that the investigation is ongoing, but at this time there is no information to suggest the crime was motivated by bias.
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact police.
“As always, and regardless of this particular incident, we advise all mosques to keep their doors open, but to exercise caution, especially given the recent rise in anti-Muslim bigotry,” the group said.
