Imam shot outside New Jersey mosque has died

By Zenebou Sylla and Celina Tebor | CNN

Hassan Sharif, the imam who was shot Wednesday outside a mosque in Newark, New Jersey, has died, a law enforcement source tells CNN.

The imam died at about 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, the source said.

Sharif worked as a transportation security officer (TSO) at Newark Liberty International Airport since 2006, according to a statement from the Transportation Security Administration.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and send our condolences to his family, friends and co-workers,” TSA said.

Officials will hold a news conference at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

The shooting happened outside the Masjid Muhammad-Newark mosque about 6 a.m., Newark Public Safety said.

The imam – a mosque’s cleric or prayer leader – was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, police said.

“My prayers are with Imam Hassan Sharif,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in an earlier statement. “At this point, we do not have any information about the perpetrators or motivations behind this incident, but I know law enforcement will provide updates as appropriate.

“At a time when the Muslim community is concerned by an increase of bias incidents and crimes, 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.”