Seven people were shot, one fatally, at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Union Township, New Jersey, on Saturday night, authorities said. The shooting occurred at approximately 9pm on the 2300 block of Route 22.
The Union County Prosecutor's Office stated that one person was pronounced dead at the scene, and six others were treated for injuries considered not life-threatening. No arrests have been made, but the preliminary investigation suggests the incident does not appear to be a random act of violence, and there is no immediate ongoing threat to the public.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, this incident marks the 100th mass shooting in the US this year. The archive defines a mass shooting as an event where four or more victims are wounded or killed.
Local media reported that dozens of patrons fled to safety. Witnesses described masked individuals entering the restaurant and opening fire, wounding several employees. A 911 dispatcher's audio recording noted victims with gunshot wounds to the face and legs. Dashboard camera footage appeared to show a man fleeing with a pistol.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Union Township Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier expressed condolences and pledged support for the victims and their families. The mayor described the community as heartbroken and shaken by the violence.
