The fatal shooting of Imam Maulama Akonjee and his assistant, Thara Uddin, on Saturday has left some members of the Queens Muslim community grappling with both grief and fear. While the motive for the killings remains unclear, the incident, which took place outside the Al-Furqan Jame Mosque shortly after midday prayers, has been denounced by many as an Islamophobic act.

Imam Khalid Latif, Muslim chaplain at NYU and the NYPD, described growing fears that the anti-Muslim rhetoric espoused by Trump and others are inflaming hostile attitudes towards the Islamic community. Latif acknowledges that Saturday's shootings may be unrelated to religion, but says such fears are understandable. "In the current political climate, why would we not feel targeted?"

Many non-Muslim Americans share these concerns, and within a few hours of the murders began demonstrating their solidarity online and in person.

On Twitter, the hashtag #IllWalkWithYou surged as New Yorkers offered to accompany Muslims to and from the mosque in hopes of allaying their fears of further attacks.

The campaign is reminiscent of the 2014 #IllRideWithYou campaign that emerged in Australia when Aussie Muslims felt similarly vulnerable in the wake of a terrorist attack.

Since #IllWalkWithYou went viral, Muslims have expressed gratitude for the show of support, even as many encouraged their allies to extend their action beyond the Twittersphere.

The Majlis As-Shura (Islamic Leadership Council) of New York announced the launch of a fundraising campaign to support the families of the two victims. Each of the men left behind a widow and three children.

A memorial service was held today at Grant Avenue Municipal Parking Field, followed by prayers.

Police sources have told local media that a person of interest is custody, but the investigation is ongoing.