In a tragic incident that has left the community in shock, 32-year-old Mohammad Sahariar Islam was fatally shot on the premises of the Ramada Inn in Fairfield, New Jersey. The shooting, which took place around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024, resulted in the death of Islam and left another individual seriously injured. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force responded swiftly to the scene, launching a thorough investigation as they attempt to piece together the series of events that culminated in the fatal shooting. The gunman responsible for this violent act fled the scene before authorities could arrive, leaving behind a cloud of fear, questions, and uncertainty. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement working around the clock to apprehend the suspect and bring clarity to this tragic situation.
The Fairfield Ramada Inn, located near Route 80, is a relatively quiet, suburban hotel, often used by travelers and locals alike for its convenient location and proximity to major highways. Friday’s violent incident shattered the peace usually associated with the hotel, leaving its guests and employees in a state of fear and confusion. Law enforcement officials have cordoned off the property, restricting access to the hotel as they conduct their investigation. While authorities have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat, the residents of Fairfield are left to grapple with the ramifications of such a violent crime occurring in their normally tranquil community.
As authorities investigate this crime, many questions remain unanswered: Who was responsible for the shooting, and what motivated the attack? Were the victims specifically targeted, or was this a random act of violence? These are the questions dominating the minds of the victim’s loved ones, hotel employees, guests, and local residents as they anxiously await further updates from law enforcement.
The Timeline of Events
On Friday afternoon, just before 12:30 p.m., the Fairfield Police Department received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire at the Ramada Inn. The calls came from both employees and guests who had heard the commotion and witnessed people fleeing the scene in panic. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers found two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Mohammad Sahariar Islam, one of the victims, had been fatally shot and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, who has not yet been publicly identified, was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital, where they remain in serious condition.
Witnesses described the immediate aftermath as chaotic, with guests and employees unsure of what had occurred. Some reported hearing yelling from inside the hotel, but it was not initially clear where the sounds were coming from or who was involved. The police quickly cordoned off the area, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the property while investigators worked to gather evidence. Guests staying at the hotel were advised to remain in their rooms or were escorted out as officers went room-to-room, ensuring the safety of those present and collecting information from potential witnesses.
Although the exact circumstances of the shooting are still unclear, law enforcement has indicated that both victims were employees of the Ramada Inn. This revelation raises critical questions about the nature of the attack and whether the shooter specifically targeted the victims. Authorities are actively investigating the possibility that the shooting was motivated by a personal conflict, though they have not ruled out other potential motives. The gunman, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, managed to flee the scene before police arrived, sparking an urgent manhunt.
The Victim: Who Was Mohammad Sahariar Islam?
Mohammad Sahariar Islam, 32, was a dedicated and well-liked employee of the Ramada Inn. Friends, family, and coworkers describe him as a hardworking individual who always had a smile on his face and was committed to providing for his loved ones. Islam, originally from Bangladesh, had immigrated to the United States several years ago in search of better opportunities. He quickly found employment at the Ramada Inn, where he worked diligently to build a stable life for himself and his family.
Islam’s colleagues remember him as a kind-hearted individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether to his coworkers or the hotel’s guests. His tragic and untimely death has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him. His family, devastated by the loss, has called for justice and pleaded with the authorities to apprehend the gunman responsible for this senseless act of violence.
Islam’s journey to the United States was not without its challenges. Like many immigrants, he faced the hardships of adjusting to life in a new country while striving to support his family back home. His hard work and perseverance were evident in his role at the Ramada Inn, where he had become a valued and respected member of the team. He had big dreams for the future, including hopes of one day bringing his family to the U.S. and continuing to build a life of prosperity and security. These dreams were tragically cut short on Friday afternoon.
Islam’s death has sent shockwaves through the Fairfield community, particularly among the local Bangladeshi and immigrant populations who share his story of resilience and determination. Vigils and memorials are being planned in his honor, as the community comes together to mourn the loss of a man whose life was taken far too soon.
Ongoing Investigation and Manhunt
As of now, the shooter responsible for Islam’s death remains at large. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force is working diligently to track down the suspect, piecing together information from witnesses and any available surveillance footage from the hotel and surrounding areas. The police have not yet released the name or description of the suspect, but they are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers, with the potential for a reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect.
The investigation is still in its early stages, but law enforcement officials are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to apprehend the gunman. Detectives are reviewing the hotel’s security footage, interviewing employees and guests who may have witnessed the shooting, and canvassing the surrounding area for additional evidence. Authorities are also working to determine whether the shooting was premeditated or the result of a spontaneous altercation that escalated into violence.
Given that both victims were employees of the Ramada Inn, investigators are focusing on the possibility that the gunman had some prior connection to the hotel or its staff. However, no clear motive has been established at this time, and police have not ruled out other scenarios. The ongoing manhunt has heightened tensions in the Fairfield community, with residents expressing concern about the potential danger posed by a suspect who remains at large.
Despite the heightened security measures and increased police presence, Fairfield officials have reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to the community. They have emphasized that the shooting appears to be an isolated incident and not part of a larger pattern of violence. Still, the presence of an active investigation and the uncertainty surrounding the shooter’s whereabouts have left many residents feeling uneasy.
Community Reaction and Concerns
The shooting at the Ramada Inn has left the Fairfield community grappling with a range of emotions—shock, fear, grief, and anger. For many, the idea that such a violent act could occur in their town is difficult to comprehend. Fairfield, while close to major urban centers like Newark and New York City, has generally been regarded as a safe and quiet suburb. Incidents of gun violence, particularly at a local business like the Ramada Inn, are rare.
Local residents have voiced concerns about the safety of the area, particularly given the hotel’s proximity to Route 80, a major highway that connects Fairfield to larger cities and potentially facilitates a quick escape for those fleeing the scene of a crime. While the Ramada Inn has not been known for frequent criminal activity, some residents have pointed out that the hotel has had occasional run-ins with law enforcement in the past, though none as severe as Friday’s shooting.
One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed their fear and disbelief: “It’s terrifying to think that something like this could happen so close to home. We’ve always felt safe here, but now it feels like that sense of security has been shattered. I just hope the police find whoever did this and bring them to justice.”
In response to these concerns, the Fairfield Police Department has increased patrols in the area, particularly around the Ramada Inn and nearby businesses. They are also working closely with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure that all available resources are being used to locate the suspect and bring a sense of peace back to the community.
Hotel Guests and Staff in Shock
For the guests staying at the Ramada Inn on Friday, the experience was nothing short of terrifying. Many were in their rooms or in common areas when the shooting occurred, and the sound of gunshots sent them scrambling for safety. Some guests reported hearing loud shouting before the gunfire, but the exact details of what transpired inside the hotel remain unclear. Hotel staff, who were working their shifts when the shooting occurred, are also grappling with the trauma of witnessing such a horrific event.
The hotel has been temporarily closed as police continue their investigation, with guests being relocated to other accommodations in the area. Some guests, who were unable to retrieve their belongings immediately after the shooting, have expressed frustration and fear over the ordeal. “It’s just a nightmare,” said one guest, who was in town for a business trip. “I never expected something like this to happen. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to stay in a hotel again without feeling anxious.”
Hotel management has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, but they are cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues. The Ramada Inn’s reputation as a safe and reliable lodging option has undoubtedly been impacted by the shooting, and it remains to be seen how the hotel will recover in the wake of such a tragedy.
Conclusion: A Tragic Loss and a Community in Mourning
The death of Mohammad Sahariar Islam has left a profound impact on the Fairfield community, as well as on his family and friends, who are mourning the loss of a kind and hardworking man. As the investigation into the shooting continues, the people of Fairfield are united in their grief and their call for justice. The search for the gunman remains a top priority for law enforcement, and the community is hopeful that the perpetrator will soon be apprehended and held accountable for this senseless act of violence.
For now, Fairfield is left to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, as residents and business owners come to terms with the reality that such a horrific event could occur in their town. The pain of Islam’s loss is palpable, but the community’s resolve to seek justice and honor his memory is stronger than ever. As the investigation unfolds, the Fairfield community remains vigilant, supporting one another through this difficult time and hoping for answers that will bring a sense of closure to a tragedy that has left so many lives forever changed.
