An imam succumbed to gunshot injuries outside a mosque in Newark Wednesday atMasjid Muhammad-Newark South Orange Avenue and Camden Street according to authorities in New Jersey as the wounds were sustained on his left arm and his abdomen.
As the authorities arrived at the scene, Sharif was found lying in the parkin, 10 feet from the mosque entrance.
After the shooting in Newark, officials are investigating to determine the suspect with the help of security cameras. Officials also found shells of the bullet from the scene.
According to local media reports, the deceased imam also worked as a Transportation Security Officer at Newark Liberty International Airport since 2006.
The TSA stated in a statement: "TSOs serve diverse populations of travelers to secure the nation's transportation systems. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and send our condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers."
Governor Phil Murphy urged people to come forward and share any information regarding the shooter.
He said: "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."
A spokesperson for a non-profit organisation CAIR-NJ in a statement said that Sharif was a beacon of leadership in the community.
The statement noted that "we are shocked by the news of the shooting at Masjid Muhammad in Newark, NJ during Fajr (pre-dawn) prayers. At this time, we do not have information on the perpetrator's motive.”
The statement also added: “Imam Hassan Sharif is a beacon of leadership in his community and we are praying for his full and speedy recovery. We ask others to do the same. As always, and irrespective of this specific incident, we advise all mosques to keep their doors open but remain cautious, especially given the recent spike in anti-Muslim bigotry."