Police are hunting for those behind the killing of the imam.

The motive of the attack is still not known.

According to reports, Imam Hassan Sharif was shot outside the Masjid Muhammad-Newark just before the dawn prayer.

He died later in the hospital.

“It does not appear that the Imam was a victim of a biased crime or that this is related to terrorism,” Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II said at a Wednesday news conference as quoted by CNN.

Reacting to the incident, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka posted on X: "I mourn the death of Imam Hassan Sharif and know any expression of condolence and comfort for his family and loved ones is inadequate. Our hearts are broken."

The killing comes amid increasing reports of threats, violence and hate speech against Muslim and Jewish Americans since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October. The increase has had Muslims on high alert, reported CNN.