Imam Is Critically Wounded in Shooting Outside New Jersey Mosque

An imam was shot and critically wounded outside a New Jersey mosque early Wednesday morning, the authorities said.

The imam, whom the governor identified as Hassan Sharif, was hospitalized in critical condition after being shot outside the Masjid Muhammad mosque in Newark. The police responded to the scene of the shooting shortly after 6 a.m., according to Fritz Fragé, Newark’s public safety director.

The gunman remained at large on Wednesday afternoon and there was no sign of a motive. But the attack on a Muslim leader sent shock waves through the local community at a time when Islamophobia is on the rise across the country.

Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged in a statement that an “increase of bias incidents and crimes” had many Muslims on edge.

“I want to assure the Muslim community and people of all faiths that we will do everything in our power to keep all residents safe, especially in or near houses of worship,” he said.

Dina Sayedahmed, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, noted that the shooting occurred just after predawn prayers at the mosque.

“Imam Hassan Sharif is a beacon of leadership in his community,” she said. “We advise all mosques to keep their doors open but remain cautious especially given the recent spike in anti-Muslim bigotry.”

Matthew Platkin, New Jersey’s attorney general, described the shooting as “tragic” in a statement. Earlier on Wednesday, he celebrated the state’s inaugural Muslim Heritage Month in a social media post.

“At a time when bias incidents against members of the Muslim community are on the rise, we know that this act of gun violence will heighten fears and concerns in our state,” Mr. Platkin said in the statement. “This investigation is ongoing, but at this time we do not have any information suggesting the crime was motivated by bias.”

Lisa Farbstein, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration, said that Mr. Sharif had been a transportation security officer at Newark Liberty International Airport since 2006, and that the agency was “deeply saddened” by the shooting.

The mosque was cordoned off on Wednesday as people milled around looking for information.

Lateef Murphy, 53, who sometimes prays there, said that the shooting would have ripple effects throughout the Muslim community in Newark.

“It’s a shame, our religion is not about violence,” Mr. Murphy said. “It’s about how to live your life without hatred.”

Dwayne Hill, 64, said he had lived near the mosque his entire life and that those who worship there had always been good neighbors.

“They’ve been feeding and clothing the neighborhood for years,” he said.

Masjid Muhammad was formerly known as Temple No. 25, according to its website. In 1973, its imam, James Shabazz, was shot to death in his driveway.

Tracey Tully and Mark Bonamo contributed reporting.