Man charged with attempted murder in Paterson mosque stabbing
By Jonathan Greene
Published: April 9, 2023
A man has been charged with attempted murder for a stabbing at a Paterson mosque early Sunday morning, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
At approximately 5:37 a.m., authorities received a report of a stabbing at the Omar Mosque on Getty Avenue. Members of the Paterson Police Department and New Jersey State Police quickly responded to the scene.
Upon their arrival, officers encountered the suspect — 32-year-old Serif Zorba –inside the mosque who was subdued by congregants. Zorba was identified as the assailant responsible for the stabbing, authorities said.
Authorities said they found a 65-year-old man with non-fatal stab wounds and rushed him to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment.
Zorba was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted murder in the first degree, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in the third degree, and unlawful possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.
Authorities did not reveal a motive for the attack.
Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadan.
Zorba could face decades in prison if convicted of the charges.