Multiple people were killed, including a police officer, in a shooting in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Tuesday, authorities said. Mayor Steven Fulop said there was “no indication of terrorism.”
The incident unfolded at two locations on Tuesday. One officer died from their injuries and multiple others were found dead at the scene, Fulop said. Multiple agencies responded to a residential street in the city, which is across the Hudson River from Manhattan.
The sheriff’s department and a number of police, SWAT and ATF officers were on the scene. Police initially said they were searching for two suspects: a male and female.
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“Officers have come under attack and we have several wounded. Our hearts are heavy and the violence is not over. We need prayers,” the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association said on Twitter.
New Jersey Turnpike exit ramps at Interchange 14B were closed because of the incident. All city schools were placed on lockdown for several hours.
Multiple people found dead inside building
Mayor Fulop said in a news conference that there are “multiple deceased” inside a building. He did not say whether the suspects were counted among the deceased.
There were two incidents at two different locations: one at a cemetery and another inside a deli.
Fulop confirmed the news that one officer was fatally shot, and said that another was shot in the shoulder and is being treated. Two other officers are being treated for shrapnel injuries.
When asked if the incident was terror-related, Fulop said there is “no indication of terrorism.”
One officer fatally shot
A Twitter account for Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said: “The #HCPO is confirming that one police officer has been fatally shot today in #JerseyCity.”
It said the two other officers and one civilian who were struck by gunfire are “stable” and urged people to avoid “the entire area surrounding MLK Blvd & Bayview Ave.”
New Jersey governor briefed
Murphy said more than one police officer was shot and that today reminds us of law enforcement professionals’ sacrifices and bravery.
“I have been briefed on the unfolding situation in Jersey City. Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of the Jersey City Police Department, especially with the officers shot during this standoff, and with the residents and schoolchildren currently under lockdown,” Murphy tweeted.
“I have every confidence in our law enforcement professionals to ensure the safety of the community and resolve this situation,” he said. “Today reminds us of their bravery and the sacrifices they, and their families, make for our communities.”
Schools on lockdown
Nearby schools, in the South district of Jersey City, have been placed on lockdown.
“All students and staff are safe however ALL school are currently on lockdown due to police activity,” the Jersey City school district tweeted. About an hour later, the school district said students “will not be dismissed until we receive clearance.”
Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop tweeted, “For parents: We still have an active scene but all the schools in the area are secure and all children are accounted for. We will provide more information later.”
Massive police response to standoff
The situation has garnered a massive police response.
“State Police assets from T.E.A.M.S., Canine Unit, Bomb Unit, Marine Services, Aviation, Field Ops, Tactical Patrol, Central Security, Trafficking, and Emergency Response Bureau are assisting (the Jersey City Police Department) with the active shooter investigation,” New Jersey State Police tweeted.
The New York City Police Department said its Special Operations Bureau has responded to Jersey City to assist.
The situation has been ongoing for over two hours.
