Newark, New Jersey, is grappling with grief following a mass shooting that claimed two lives, including that of a 10-year-old boy, and left three others injured on Saturday evening. The incident, which occurred around 7 p.m. on Chancellor Avenue, has shocked the community and drawn calls for justice from local leaders.
Among the deceased was a 21-year-old woman who succumbed to her injuries after the gunfire erupted. Police reported that the 10-year-old boy also lost his life in the attack. The three injured individuals—a boy aged 11, a 19-year-old man, and a 60-year-old man—are currently receiving treatment at University Hospital and are said to be in stable condition.
Mayor Ras Baraka expressed profound sorrow over the violence, instructing the suspected shooter to turn himself in. He described Saturday as a “dark and devastating day” for Newark. In a statement highlighting the emotional toll on the community, Baraka referred to the victims as “innocent souls” whose lives were tragically cut short.
“Our city mourns the loss of a young child and the senseless killings,” the mayor said. “These young lives were just beginning to blossom, and the tragedy is difficult to comprehend.”
In his efforts to seek justice, Baraka assured that law enforcement would work tirelessly until the perpetrator is apprehended. He emphasized the city’s commitment to seeking closure for the families affected by this tragedy. “We will not rest until there is justice for the parents and families left behind in unimaginable pain and grief,” he declared.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy weighed in on the incident, expressing his condolences via social media and urging prayers for the victims and their families. He confirmed that he had been updated on the situation as the investigation unfolds.
As of Sunday morning, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office had not made any arrests, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear. Authorities are actively pursuing leads and are requesting that anyone with information come forward. A reward of $10,000 is being offered for tips that could lead to an arrest.
Officials are reminding the public that this remains an ongoing investigation. Community members are encouraged to share any relevant information by contacting the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line. As Newark faces this tragedy, its residents are left to process the aftermath of a situation that has shaken the very fabric of their community.