Man Attacks Imam During Passaic Co. Mosque's Services, Faces Bias Charges: Prosecutor

PATERSON, NJ — A man faces charges after entering a mosque and attacking an assistant imam during services, the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office announced Wednesday. Edward Wright pushed the Islamic Congregation of North Jersey leader while demanding he discontinue the call for prayer on Dec. 23, authorities said.

Wright, of Paterson, was charged Feb. 22 with bias intimidation (fourth-degree) and simple assault (disorderly-persons offense).

The Council on American-Islamic Relations — a Muslim civil-liberties organization — posted a YouTube video in which a man walks into the Paterson mosque. The footage shows the man blurting profanities as he's escorted out, saying, "Everybody’s not Muslim here. I don't want to hear that (expletive) every day."

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information about the alleged incident can contact the prosecutor's office's tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org, or call the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office at 973-389-5900.

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