US imam in critical condition after shooting outside mosque in New Jersey

An imam was shot early Wednesday morning outside of a mosque in Newark, New Jersey, authorities confirmed to Anadolu.

The shooting took place at 6:16 a.m. (1116 GMT) outside of the Masjid Muhammed-Newark. The victim, whom police did not identify, was transported to the nearby state-owned University Hospital and is in critical condition.

An investigation is underway. Authorities declined to release additional information.

Multiple calls to the mosque seeking additional information on the incident were not picked up.

NBC New York reported that the victim is Imam Hassan Sharif. A person with that name is listed on the mosque's website as its resident imam.