Who is Serif Zorba? Man accused of stabbing imam Sayed Elnakib

A man is accused of stabbing an imam in the US and is now being charged with attempting to kill him. In the holy month of Ramadan, the imam in the state of New Jersey was stabbed while performing prayers early on Sunday morning, according to press sources.

Sayed Elnakib, the religious leader, received multiple stab wounds in the back from the assailant, who was eventually outnumbered by worshippers. He had significant but not life-threatening wounds as a result, and was taken to the hospital.

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Who is Serif Zorba?

Serif Zorba, a periodic visitor to the mosque in Paterson who has been accused of trying to kill someone, has been named by the prosecution as the offender.

Zorba was accused of first-degree attempted murder, third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, according to the prosecution. On Monday, he appeared before the judge and entered a not-guilty plea.

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Elnakib, who sustained at least two stab wounds to his lungs, is still in the hospital. “He was surrounded by his wife and three boys and his condition is improving,” said Abdul Haman, a spokesperson for the mosque.

Paterson 6th Ward Councilman Al Abdel-Aziz said in a statement on Sunday, “While it is unclear what motivated the attacker, there is no justification for violence of any kind, especially in a sacred space. As a community, it is important that we come together to support one another and denounce all forms of hate and violence. I am confident that with love, understanding, and respect, our entire community will come out of this stronger than ever.”

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Zorba was characterized by locals as someone who preferred to sit alone and in solitude. To ensure that worshippers wouldn’t be afraid to pray, the city declared that it would increase police activity in and around mosques.

Zorba is being held in jail. His next court date is April 13.