Gunman Fires Over Eight Shots at Utah Islamic Center Imam

(MENAFN) A masked and hooded gunman opened fire on a prominent Muslim leader outside his suburban Salt Lake City home Monday evening, unleashing a brazen two-stage attack during the holy month of Ramadan that left the cleric shaken but unharmed, authorities and local media confirmed Tuesday.

The target was Shuaib Din, the imam of the Utah Islamic Center — the largest mosque in the state. Though Din escaped physical injury, his vehicle sustained multiple bullet strikes, a newspaper reported, citing police.

Din told the newspaper he had broken his fast with family at home, roughly two minutes from the mosque, before heading out for evening prayers. As he pulled out of his garage, a man who had been waiting in a parked car outside emerged and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

"He knew my house, knew my car, knew my schedule," Din said.

The assault did not end there. After Din called 911 and attempted to note the suspect's license plate, the gunman returned — pulling up alongside his vehicle and discharging at least eight additional rounds. Bullets tore through the front and rear seats and the windshield, Din said. He briefly attempted to pursue the suspect before abandoning the chase.

Police confirmed no arrest has been made. Investigators subsequently released surveillance images of a vehicle believed to belong to the suspect — described as a white passenger car potentially bearing damage or a loose piece hanging beneath the front passenger-side bumper.

In a formal statement, the Utah Islamic Center extended its gratitude to law enforcement, called on the public to refrain from speculation, and announced that heightened security protocols would be put in place at the mosque.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, while simultaneously calling for enhanced police protection for Din and the broader Muslim community.

Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski said city officials were "deeply troubled" by the incident, drawing particular attention to its timing.

"While the motive remains under investigation, we cannot ignore that this occurred during the sacred month of Ramadan -- a time of prayer, reflection, and peace for Muslims around the world. That makes this especially unsettling for our community," Zoltanski and the City Council said in a statement.

Din said he had no knowledge of who carried out the attack, and suggested the assault may have been motivated by hate.

"I was pretty shook up," he said.

The motive remains under active investigation.

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