A New Jersey imam was shot and critically wounded on Wednesday morning outside a mosque in Newark, leaving the community in shock. The shooting occurred outside the Masjid-Muhammad-Newark mosque, the largest in the state, and the perpetrator remains unidentified and at large.
The imam, whose identity has not been disclosed by the police, was shot after 6 a.m., according to Newark’s public safety director, Fritz Fragé. He was immediately rushed to nearby University Hospital in critical condition, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Law enforcement authorities are working tirelessly to investigate the incident and locate the shooter. At this stage, it is unclear whether the imam was specifically targeted or whether there was another motive behind the attack. Fragé emphasized that a thorough investigation into the shooting is underway, and no further details are available at this time.
The local community and Muslim organizations in the area have expressed deep concern over the incident. The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is actively gathering information about the shooting. They have called on the public to cooperate with local law enforcement and provide any relevant information that might aid in the investigation.
Dina Sayedahmed, a spokesperson for Cair-NJ, issued a statement expressing their concern and sending well wishes for the imam’s speedy recovery. The entire community is praying for the imam’s health, hoping for a positive outcome amidst this harrowing incident.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward and assist in bringing the responsible parties to justice. In the meantime, the community remains united and resilient, drawing strength from their faith during these uncertain times.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of religious freedom and the need to protect places of worship. The safety and security of individuals practicing their faith should always be a top priority, and any act of violence against them is deeply troubling. As developments arise in the ongoing investigation, updates will be provided to the public to ensure transparency and accountability.
In the face of adversity, the community stands strong, supporting one another, and striving for a safer, more inclusive society.
