A man who is in his mid-70s, has been identified as Abdul Kareem, was shot a number of times outside Al-Nur mosque in the north of Minneapolis on Monday evening.
Despite his injuries, police say Kareem is expected to survive.
The shooting occurred around 5:45 p.m. near the intersection of 18th and Lyndale avenues. Kareem was taken to a hospital, where his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.
Mosque leaders praised Kareem for his bravery. “He’s a beloved member of the community, and many are deeply angry and upset” said Imam Makram El-Amin.
According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota, Kareem had just finished prayer and was leaving the mosque when he asked a group he suspected of selling drugs to move along. The group initially left but later returned, with one person shooting Kareem three times.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara emphasized the importance of protecting places of worship. “All houses of worship in this city are sacred spaces, and we should be defending all of them” he said.
Despite the violence, mosque leaders remain committed to serving the community. Over the weekend, the mosque hosted a resource fair, providing health care and food assistance to hundreds of people.
One person is currently in custody as police continue to investigate the incident.
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