MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — A suspect accused in a shooting inside a Moncks Corner mosque that left one man hospitalized is now being transported back to South Carolina after state officials approved his extradition, authorities said.
According to Moncks Corner Police Chief Antwan Richardson, Gov. Henry McMaster has approved an extradition warrant for Mahmud Massod Mohammad, clearing the way for his return from Florida to Berkeley County.
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Upon arrival, he will be booked into the Hill-Finklea Detention Center, where he will face charges including attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
Arrest followed multi-agency effort
The arrest stems from a January incident at the Muhajirun Wal Ansar Mosque, located along Old U.S. Highway 52.
Authorities said deputies with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office in Florida located the suspect after an automated license plate reader flagged a vehicle connected to the shooting. Deputies conducted a traffic stop around 2 p.m. and took the suspect into custody without incident on outstanding warrants issued by Moncks Corner police.
At the time, the suspect was held in the Santa Rosa County Jail while officials worked to coordinate extradition — a process that has now been completed with the governor’s approval.
Shooting left one man hospitalized
The investigation began after Berkeley County dispatchers received a 911 call around noon reporting a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the mosque.
Officers arrived within minutes and found the victim injured. He was transported to Trident Hospital, where officials said he was in stable condition.
Investigators later determined the shooting stemmed from a dispute between individuals who were temporarily staying at the mosque. Authorities emphasized early on that the incident was not politically or religiously motivated and described it as isolated, with no ongoing threat to the public.
Community response and ongoing case
Leaders at the mosque said the altercation involved individuals not part of the congregation and noted that the facility has long served as a place of refuge and support in the community. In a statement, mosque officials called for compassion and unity, highlighting their commitment to helping those in need.
Police also confirmed that an initial person of interest identified early in the investigation was later cleared as detectives continued to develop leads that ultimately led to Mohammad’s arrest.
Chief Richardson praised the coordinated effort among local, state and out-of-state agencies, saying their collaboration and swift action were critical in locating the suspect and advancing the case.
