An Imam (Islamic cleric) identified as Sayed El-Nakib was stabbed by knife while leading the morning (Salah) prayer during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan on Sunday, April 9 at Omar Mosque in Paterson, New Jersey.
As per reports, the attacker identified as Serif Zorba, 32, was caught on the mosque’s security camera jumping over the congregation and stabbing the 65-year-old imam with a knife.
Zorba was caught by the worshippers and handed over to the police. He was also seen threatening people who tried to stop him.
“Zorba is charged with Attempted Murder, First Degree; Possession Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Third Degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Fourth Degree,” said a statement from Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Zorba claims to be from Istanbul and came to the US a while ago and communicated with the court through a Turkish translator.
