(New York, NY)- Muslim Community Network is extremely saddened by the murder of two imams in Queens on August 13th. Imam Maulama Akonjee, 55, and Imam Thara Uddin, 64, were both gunned down in Ozone Park on Saturday afternoon while walking home after prayer. This senseless act of violence has deeply shaken the Muslim community and sent tremors across the city and nation.

A suspect for the shooting was apprehended by police on Sunday night and over 1000 people attended the janazah (funeral) yesterday. MCN calls upon law enforcement to investigate all possible motives of the crime and ensure that justice is served. It is not lost on our community that this crime comes at a time of increased anti-Muslim hostilities and bigotry across the nation. We call upon all communities in our midst to come together in love and compassion during this time of immense grief.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones that are grappling with this sudden loss of two humble and loving community leaders. A GoFundMe page by Islamic Leadership Council of NY has been created to help support the children and wives of the two imams. https://www.gofundme.com/ImamsMaulama-Thara. Please share and encourage friends and family to contribute.