A masked gunman opened fire on a prominent Muslim leader outside his home in Utah during the holy month of Ramadan. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, but the incident has deeply unsettled the local Muslim community.
The attack occurred Monday evening in a suburb of Salt Lake City. The target was Shuaib Din, an imam who leads the Utah Islamic Center, the state’s largest mosque.
Shots Fired Outside Home
According to police and local reports, Din had just broken his fast with his family and was preparing to attend evening prayers at the mosque, located only minutes from his residence. As he pulled out of his garage, a masked individual wearing a hoodie exited a nearby vehicle and began firing multiple shots.
Din said the attacker appeared to be familiar with his routine.
“He knew my house, knew my car, knew my schedule,” Din stated.
Although Din was not physically harmed, several bullets struck his vehicle.
Second Round of Gunfire
After calling emergency services, Din attempted to identify the suspect’s vehicle and obtain the license plate number. He reported that the gunman returned moments later, pulled alongside his car, and fired at least eight additional shots before fleeing the scene.
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Bullets reportedly hit the windshield as well as the front and rear seats of the vehicle. Din initially attempted to follow the suspect but later stopped for safety reasons.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that no arrests have been made so far. Authorities have released images of a vehicle believed to be connected to the incident. The suspect’s car is described as a white passenger vehicle that may have visible damage or a loose panel beneath the front passenger-side bumper.
Community Response and Security Measures
In a public statement, the Utah Islamic Center expressed gratitude to law enforcement agencies for their swift response. The mosque also urged community members to avoid speculation while the investigation continues and announced plans to increase security measures.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction. CAIR also called for enhanced police protection for Din and the broader Muslim community in the area.
Officials Condemn the Incident
Monica Zoltanski, Mayor of Sandy, said city officials were “deeply troubled” by the shooting, particularly because it occurred during Ramadan — a sacred month dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and peace.
In a joint statement, the mayor and the City Council emphasized that, although investigators are still determining the motive, the timing of the attack has caused significant concern within the community.
Investigation Ongoing
Din stated that he does not know who was responsible for the shooting and suggested that it may have been motivated by hate. He described himself as “pretty shaken up” following the incident.
Police continue to investigate and are urging anyone with information about the white vehicle or the suspect to come forward.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the shooting is being investigated as a hate crime, but the case remains active.
