Police denied indications that the duo was targeted because of their faith
New York: A 55-year old Bangladeshi-American Imam at a mosque here and his associate have been shot and killed from point blank range by an unidentified gunman in broad daylight amid growing concerns across the country over rising Islamophobic rhetoric.
People gather near the crime scene after 55-year-old Imam Maulana Akonjee and his 64-year-old associate were fatally shot in a daylight attack as they left afternoon prayers. Pic/AP
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Police said Imam Maulana Akonjee and Thara Uddin, 64, were walking home from afternoon prayers on Saturday when they were approached from behind by a male with medium complexion who was dressed in a dark polo shirt and shorts. According to witnesses and video surveillance, immediately after the victims were shot, the same male was seen fleeing the scene with a gun in his hand. Both victims were dressed in Islamic attire at the time of the shooting. The lone gunman still remains at large.
Imam Maulana Akonjee
Responding to multiple emergency calls, police found Akonjee and Uddin with gunshot wounds to the head. They were both taken to a local hospital, where Akonjee died as a result of his injuries. Uddin was also in critical condition and later succumbed to his injuries.
Deputy Inspector Henry Sautner said that currently a motive has not been determined and “there’s nothing in the preliminary investigation to indicate that they were targeted because of their faith.” He said the police is conducting an extensive “canvass of the area for video and additional witnesses”.
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