Community in Mourning After Deadly Newark Shooting
A devastating mass shooting in Newark, New Jersey, has left a community in shock after a 10-year-old boy and a 21-year-old woman were killed and three others were injured. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the tragic incident occurred just after 7 p.m. on Saturday in a residential area of the city, located approximately 13 miles west of New York City.
The young boy and the woman both succumbed to their injuries. The three other victims – an 11-year-old boy, a 19-year-old man, and a 60-year-old man – were transported to a local hospital and are reported to be in a stable condition.
Manhunt Underway for Suspect
Authorities have launched an extensive manhunt for the gunman responsible for the mass shooting. As of now, no information about the suspected shooter has been released, with officials stating the investigation remains active and ongoing.
In a significant development, hours after the violence unfolded, authorities announced a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the individual responsible.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and terror. One resident recounted hearing "a lot of screaming" as more than six gunshots rang out. WABC reported that the gunman fired so many shots that people were forced to duck for cover. The evidence of the violent outburst was clear the following morning, with at least 17 evidence markers visible on the scene as police, some using flashlights to examine items like a jacket on the ground, continued their meticulous search.
Officials React with Grief and Resolve
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka released a powerful statement, calling it “a dark and devastating day in Newark.” He vowed that the city would not rest until justice is served for the grieving families.
“We will not rest until there is justice for the parents and families left behind in unspeakable pain and grief,” Mayor Baraka said. “Newark will work tirelessly with the prosecutor’s office, state law-enforcement, and federal agencies to ensure justice is served. We urge the killer to turn himself in, as there is no safe place to hide.”
The shooting compounded a day of tragedy for the city, coming just hours after a two-year-old child died from a fall from a 20th-floor window. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also addressed the Newark shooting on social media, asking the public to “Please pray for the victims and their families.” The motive for the shooting is not yet known.
