Suspect Arrested for Shooting Imam in New York

New York police say they have arrested a suspect in the shooting and murder of Imam Aladdin Akounji and his assistant near their mosque in the Queens neighborhood, and he has been charged with murder. Robert Boyce, the NYPD chief of detectives, stated on August 16 that 'based on the evidence we have, we strongly believe he is the same individual [the shooter].' The arrested individual, identified as Oscar Morel, 35, was apprehended on Monday during a police chase after he crashed his vehicle into a police car while fleeing. Morel is also charged with illegal possession of a firearm. On the afternoon of August 14, Imam Akounji and his assistant Saramedin were shot from behind. The police have stated they are investigating the incident and are not yet certain if religious motives or so-called 'hate crimes' played a role. However, some individuals who gathered at the shooting site and the Furqan Mosque in recent days have chanted slogans against 'hate crimes.' A newly released video from NBC New York shows a lone individual approaching Mr. Akounji and Saramedin from behind and firing a handgun before fleeing the scene. The police released a sketch of the suspect along with a reward for information leading to his capture. The 'Council on American-Islamic Relations' has thanked the NYPD following the arrest of Oscar Morel, during which police found a handgun similar to the one used in the shooting and clothing resembling what was found at the crime scene. Meanwhile, on the same day, hundreds gathered for a memorial service for Imam Akounji and Saramedin, with some holding placards reading 'End Hate Crimes.' Local officials, including the Mayor of New York, also spoke at the event. Robert Boyce told reporters that they are still investigating the motive behind the shooting, and certainly one of the current considerations is the issue of 'hate crimes'; 'At this moment, we do not know why this individual was there.' The Mayor of New York stated, 'We do not listen to those who want to divide us. Every time they make such an attempt, we will stand against them.' Imam Akounji's body is set to be transferred for burial to his hometown in Bangladesh.