A tragic incident unfolded in Newark, New Jersey’s largest city on Friday evening, resulting in the death of a Newark police officer and leaving another officer critically injured in a shooting, as reported by the police union and officials. The gunfire occurred after 6 p.m. in the vicinity of Broadway and Carteret Street in the North Ward of the city, as stated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. The officers responded to the scene following the discharge of 18 shots, encountering gunfire themselves and swiftly requesting urgent backup. Officials confirmed that two officers were shot, with one sustaining a fatal head wound and being rushed to University Hospital in critical condition, where they later passed away, according to the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association. The second officer suffered critical injuries that were fortunately not life-threatening, as informed by the county prosecutor’s office. The identities of the officers have not been disclosed to the public. A suspect, believed to be responsible for the shooting, has been taken into custody. Governor Phil Murphy expressed his concern and urged people to keep the officers, their families, and all law enforcement officers in their thoughts and prayers for their sacrifices in keeping the community safe. The state attorney general’s office confirmed they are overseeing the situation, with no further details available at present. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
