Police in New Jersey hunted Thursday for the killer of a Muslim cleric who was shot outside his mosque before morning prayers, offering cash to anyone who can help them make an arrest. Authorities said they had no evidence that religious hate motivated the imam's slaying, but vowed to protect people of faith amid soaring reports of bias attacks across the U.S.
The killing of Imam Hassan Sharif as he prepared to open the Masjid Muhammad-Newark mosque for Wednesday morning prayers has generated an intense law enforcement dragnet. The state's attorney general pledged to assist county and local officials, and the Essex County sheriff announced a $25,000 reward.
