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Hassan Sharif was found by officers responding to the Masjid Muhammad Newark mosque on South Orange Ave., at 6:16 a.m., Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé, said.
Police brought Sharif to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:20 p.m., the Essex County Sheriff's Office said.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said the shooting does not appear to have been an act motivated by bias or domestic terrorism.
“We know that in light of global events, and with a rise in bias directed at many communities across our state but particularly the Muslim community, that there are many in New Jersey right now experiencing a heightened sense of fear or anxiety at the news of this slaying,” Platkin said.
“I want every resident of our state to know that we are bringing all our resources to bear to keep our Muslim friends and neighbors safe, and keeping all New Jerseyans safe.”
Dina Sayedahmed, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-American Relations said they were devastated by the news of Sharif's death.
"Imam Hassan was a beacon of leadership and excellence," Sayedahmed said. "We are praying for the Imam, his family and loved ones, and his congregation, and we ask everyone to do the same."
In a statement, Gov. Phil Murphy said he wanted to assure the Muslim community and people of all faiths that the state is doing everything it can to keep people safe at houses of worship.
The mosque held a live prayer session in Sharif's honor at 5 p.m.
The incident remains under investigation, Fragé said.
Anyone with information relevant to this shooting is urged to contact the Newark Police Department through their 24-hour tip hot line at 1-877-NWK TIPS (1-877-695-8477)."
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