USA

New York Man Charged in Murder of Imam

FILE - People gather near a crime scene for a demonstration after the leader of a New York City mosque and an associate were fatally shot in a brazen daylight attack as they left afternoon prayers Saturday.

Authorities in New York said Monday they have charged a Brooklyn man with second-degree murder in connection with the killing of an imam and his friend as they left a mosque.

Police had already arrested 35-year-old Oscar Morel on Sunday. The new charges also include criminal possession of a weapon.

The 55-year-old Imam Maulama Akonjee and his associate 64-year-old Thara Uddin were shot at close range on a city street as they left afternoon prayers on Saturday.

Authorities have not commented on a motive for the shooting.