Imam shot, killed near Newark, NJ, mosque

NEWARK, N.J. - An imam was shot and killed outside of a Newark, New Jersey mosque on Wednesday, officials said.

Imam Hassan Sharif died from his injuries around 2 p.m. after the shooting near Masjid Muhammad-Newark on South Orange Avenue and Camden Street around 6 a.m.

Imam Hassan Sharif was a faith leader at Masjid Muhammad-Newark. 

"He did everything he could for churches, mosques, masjids, and synagogues," a woman said.

SkyFOX over Masjid Muhammad-Newark on Camden Street.

"We can only confirm that he was shot more than once," Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens said during a press conference.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s office is now leading the investigation. FOX 5 NY’s Stephanie Bertini has also confirmed that the FBI and the ATF are involved in the investigation now. 

Investigators have ruled out bias or terrorism as motivations for the deadly attack, officials said. The motive is still unknown.

"I was really in shock and disappointed, but it is the world we live in," another woman said. 

"With a rise in bias directed at many communities across our state, particularly the Muslim community, there are many in New Jersey right now who are feeling a heightened sense of fear or anxiety at the news of this slaying," New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said during a press conference.

In a statement, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy offered condolences to the mosque's community members. 

"I want to assure 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 houses of worship," Murphy said.

The Essex County Prosecutor's office is offering $25,000 for information related to an arrest.