The man, whom prosecutors recognized as Serif Zorba, 32, was arrested and charged with first-degree tried homicide, officers mentioned.

Zorba was “subdued by congregants” by the point police arrived on the Omar Mosque after 5:30 a.m., in accordance with a information launch from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Mayor Andre Sayegh of Paterson recognized the imam as Sayed Elnakib. Prosecutors mentioned that the imam, 65, sustained “nonfatal stab wounds” and was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center.

The neighborhood member, Sikander Khan, mentioned that the assault occurred simply after morning prayers started, when a person leaped ahead and stabbed Elnakib repeatedly.

Khan, a Paterson metropolis worker who’s co-chair of the Muslim caucus of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, mentioned that Elnakib underwent surgical procedure and was in steady situation however that he had liver injury.

Khan mentioned the attacker, who had been to the mosque to worship earlier than, was unknown to different congregants and was not an “active member.”

“Nobody really knew him,” Khan mentioned. “We don’t know what the motive behind his action is.”

“He would come in and kind of sit isolated away from everyone else and didn’t really communicate with anyone,” Khan added. “We’re extremely baffled and confused about why he would do such a thing. Our prayers are with the imam and his family and wish him quick recovery.”

Sayegh, who visited Elnakib within the hospital Sunday, mentioned that he was hopeful he would make a full restoration. In response to the assault, the mayor added, the town would step up its police presence at mosques. “People don’t have to be afraid to pray,” he mentioned.

Neither he nor the prosecutors provided any particulars a couple of potential motive.

Alaa Abdelaziz, a Paterson council member, mentioned on Facebook that he was “deeply saddened” by the assault. “As a community, it is important that we come together to support one another and denounce all forms of hate and violence,” he mentioned.

Zorba, who additionally faces weapons-related costs, will seem earlier than a Superior Court choose in Paterson on Monday afternoon, prosecutors mentioned.