The Interfaith Center of New York extends our heart-felt condolences to the families of Imam Maulama Akonjee and Thara Uddin who were fatally shot walking back from prayers on Saturday afternoon in Ozone Park, NY. Imam Akonjee had led the Al-Furqan Jame Mosque serving the Bangladeshi community of Ozone Park for two years. He was described by community members as “a man of peace” who recently immigrated to the United States. Imam Akonjee was married with three children.
Imam Akonjee and Thara Uddin were both dressed in religious garb as they walked home from the mosque. They were approached from behind by a lone assailant and shot. While the police have not yet identified these murders as a hate crime, members of the Imam’s community expressed their views on Saturday evening that this act of violence was motivated by Islamophobia.
Please contact the NYPD with any information that could lead to the identification of the assailant.
Condolences may be sent to:
Al-Furqam Jame Masjid
Glenmore Ave at 77th St.
Ozone Park, NY
11417
For further information:
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/drive-by-shooter-queens-gravely-injures-men-article-1.2749901
For NY Anti-Defamation League Statement:
