PATERSON, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- Prosecutors charged a Paterson man for harassing worshippers at the Islamic Congregation of New Jersey and allegedly shoving an assistant imam.
Edward Wright, 57, stormed into the mosque on Dec. 23 demanding the congregation stop the call to prayer, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
The mosque amplifies the daily calls to prayer using a loudspeaker. The calls can be heard outside the mosque, which angered Wright. The prosecutor’s complaint alleges he slapped the microphone out of the assistant imam’s hand.
The prosecutor charged Wright with bias intimidation and simple assault. If convicted, he could face a maximum of 18 months in prison.
Cell phone video released by the New Jersey branch of the Center for American Islamic Relations shows Wright ranting as he left the building.
“Everybody not muslim here,” said Wright in the video. “I don’t want to hear that s*** every day.”
CAIR-NJ denounced the alleged attack in a press release.
“Having a stranger enter the mosque with the alleged intention to inflict physical harm is unsettling at the very least,” said CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut. “The Islamophobia and racism against Muslims that continues to negatively impact our nation will not deter American Muslims from practicing their faith. We are an unapologetic community that will not be intimidated.”
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