Long Island Police Patrols Stepped Up On After Shooting Of Imam At New Jersey Mosque

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Island's police departments have increased patrols at religious institutions as a precautionary measure in response to the shooting of an imam at a mosque in New Jersey.

The patrols came at the order of both the Nassau and Suffolk county executives.

In a statement, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said that he directed Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder to increase patrols at the county's mosques.

"While there is no information at this time concerning the cause of the shooting, out of an abundance of caution I am increasing patrols to protect the Muslim community," he said.

Likewise, in a statement, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, said, "While there is no credible threat in Suffolk at this time, patrol officers will continue to remain vigilant, and additional patrols will be deployed if needed."

Hassan Sharif, an imam at Masjid Muhammad mosque in Newark, was shot dead on Wednesday, though there is no information at this time suggesting that the shooting is a bias crime, authorities said.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said his prayers are with Sharif, adding, "At this point, we do not have any information about the perpetrators or motivations behind this incident, but I know law enforcement will provide updates as appropriate."

"At a time when the Muslim community is concerned by an increase of bias incidents and crimes, 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 our houses of worship," he added.

Eric Kiefer contributed additional reporting to this story.