Attempted Murder Charge Filed In Stabbing Of Imam At Passaic Co. Mosque

PATERSON, NJ — A mosque leader in Paterson was stabbed during worship services Sunday morning, and officials have charged a suspect with attempted murder.

The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office said 32-year-old Serif Zorba attacked 65-year-old Imam Sayed Elnakib with a knife during morning prayer at the Masjid Omar, stabbing Elnakib in the back in front of those gathered to worship.

Police arrived to the mosque on Getty Avenue around 5:37 a.m. Sunday, and said worshippers subdued the suspect until law enforcement arrived.

Zorba faces charges of first-degree attempted murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon according to county prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes. He is a citizen of Turkmenistan, according to Passaic County jail records.

First responders took Imam Elnakib to a hospital for treatment and said his wounds were not fatal.

The stabbing took place while Muslims are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, which runs March 22 until April 20.

The prosecutor's office did not list a motive for the attack. Zorba is being held in the Passaic County Jail and officials will file a motion for pretrial detention, said Valdes' office.

The NJ chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said they continue to pray for Elnakib and his family, noting that anti-Muslim incidents normally increase during Ramadan but that there was no motive listed yet.

The attacker "walked between worshippers and stabbed Imam Sayed Elnakib at least twice in his back," said CAIR-NJ in a statement.

"We are monitoring closely and waiting for all facts to come to light," CAIR-NJ said, commending the mosque community for acting quickly to subdue the attacker.

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said he visited Elnakib at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center and asked for continued prayers for the Imam and his family.

Sixth Ward Councilman Al Abdel-aziz said the community must come together "and denounce all forms of hate and violence."

"While it is unclear what motivated the attacker, there is no justification for violence of any kind, especially in a sacred space," said Abdel-aziz, who represents the area of Paterson where the attack happened.

Anyone with additional information on the investigation is asked to call the PCPO tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or email tips@passaiccountynj.org. Those with information may also contact the Paterson Police Department Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.

CAIR-NJ is also calling for officials to investigate the defacement of a Paterson school as a hate crime after someone smeared feces over part of the school's name on the sign. Related article — Hate Crime Probe Called For After Vandal Defaces NJ School Sign Twice