Rep. Payne, Jr.’s Statement on Murder of Imam Hassan Sharif

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. issued the following statement today regarding the murder of Hassan Sharif, Imam for the Masjid Muhammad Mosque in Newark, N.J.  Imam Sharif was shot and killed outside his mosque after pre-dawn prayers in the morning of January 3, 2024.

“I was shocked and saddened to hear of the murder of Imam Hassan Sharif.  My condolences to his family, friends and the entire Masjid Muhammad community during this tragic time.  Imam Sharif was a kind man and a pillar of the greater Newark community.  He was always there to help those in need.  I was impressed with his strong work to help and feed the homeless and give second chances to people who suffered from drug and alcohol addiction.  While law enforcement officials have said this is not a hate crime or domestic terrorism, it is another horrible example of America’s gun violence epidemic.  I have been a strong advocate for more gun restrictions in this county because we are losing great people, like Imam Sharif, to this national tragedy.  I hope his murderer is brought to justice quickly and I would encourage anyone with information about Imam Sharif’s death to contact law enforcement officials immediately.”