In the US, a beloved Imam and community leader was shot outside a mosque in Newark, New Jersey. Imam Hassan Sharif, was taken to a local hospital in reportedly critical condition before losing his life.
The Muslim community of Newark are in shock and fears the shooting was motivated by Islamophobia. The authorities have not given a motive for the incident and said there is no indication the killing was motivated by bias or domestic terrorism.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement, "At a time when bias incidents against members of the Muslim community are on the rise, we know that this act of gun violence will heighten fears and concerns in our State."
He added that "every possible angle will, of course, be explored and every lead will be fully investigated."