Topline
A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the non-fatal stabbing of an imam at a mosque in Paterson, New Jersey, during early-morning Ramadan services Sunday morning, local officials confirmed in a press release, though prosecutors have not established a motive.
A 32-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stabbing an imam at a mosque in Paterson, New Jersey, … [+]
Key Facts
Serif Zorba, the man identified as the assailant, has been charged with first-degree attempted murder, as well as possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in the third degree and unlawful possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Zorba faces 20 years in prison for the first-degree attempted murder count, under New Jersey state law, with at least 85% of that time coming before he becomes eligible for parole (the third- and fourth-degree possession counts carry maximum sentences of 5 years and 18 months, respectively).
Congregants said Zorba had previously worshiped at the mosque, but was not a member, New York’s ABC affiliate, ABC 7, reported, though prosecutors have not determined a motive—it is not clear if Zorba has retained an attorney, CNN reported.
Sayed Elnakib, the 65-year-old Imam who was non-fatally stabbed, was taken to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment.
Key Background
Local police responded to the Omar Mosque in Paterson, 10 miles northwest of New York City, during sunrise prayer shortly after 5:30 a.m. Police found Zorba already subdued by congregants at the mosque. Footage of the services obtained by CNN shows Zorba walking through a group of kneeling worshippers toward Elnakib, and stabbing him in the back. Paterson City Councilman Al Abdelaziz condemned the stabbing in a Facebook post Sunday night, saying, “there is no justification for violence of any kind, especially in a sacred space.”
What To Watch For
Zorba is set to appear in courtMonday afternoon to answer to the charges.
Further Reading
32-year-old man arrested in stabbing of imam during morning prayer service, officials say (CNN)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2023/04/10/new-jersey-mosque-stabbing-32-year-old-arrested-for-allegedly-stabbing-imam/