Defenseload

Triggering a hate-crime debate, An Imam and his Assistant were shot dead when they were walking along a street after prayers at a Mosque in New York.

Imam Maulama Akonjee (55) and his Assistant Thara Uddin (64) were shot in the head near al-Furqan Jame mosque on Saturday afternoon. Cops believe the suspect is having a medium complexion and he is yet to be arrested. They, however, were yet to confirm if this is a hate crime.

Akonjees Nephew Rahi Majid claims that the Imam wouldnt even hurt a fly.



People gathered at the crime scene to protest the brutal act. They raised slogans seeking justice and some of them even expressed concerns over their safety.

al-Furqan Jame mosque in the Ozone Park is where most of the Bangladeshi Muslims offer prayers.