NJ shooting: 6 dead, including officer and suspects, after intense gun battle in Jersey City (VIDEOS)
One officer and three civilians were killed after two shooters ambushed police before holing up in bodega and firing from behind the barricade in Jersey City, New Jersey. Both suspects were also killed in the exchange.
During a press briefing after the gunfight died down, New Jersey Police Chief Michael Kelly confirmed that three civilians and two suspects were found dead inside the store. Separately, a police officer shot at the start of the standoff succumbed to his wounds.
Kelly identified the officer as a 39-year-old father of five.
Gunfire in police standoff in #JerseyCityDETAILS: https://t.co/hkh1HBA9Bnpic.twitter.com/AaKqbmAZby
— RT (@RT_com) December 10, 2019
Police warned on radio transmission that the suspects were shooting at anyone they see on the street, NJ.com said. One officer was heard saying that gunfire begins each time a police officer attempts to move toward the bodega.
Y’all pray for my city #JerseyCity there is a active shooter and one cop got hit... pic.twitter.com/tO7k2cJgjJ
— GT: a Majik FTB 🎩 (aFTB Creator Nba 2k) (@MajikFromXbox) December 10, 2019
Exclusive video from the scene of the active shooter in Jersey City.@BlueLivesNYC@ImperatriceVpic.twitter.com/WGmpYDaDhl
— NYC Blue Lives Photographer (@bluelivesphoto) December 10, 2019
The two suspects reportedly arrived in the area in a U-haul van and are carrying "long guns." The two shooters are apparently a male and a female, dressed in black. Local media reported that police said in transmissions that "pipe bombs" were found in their U-Haul.
SWAT team responds to gunfire in #JerseyCity‘AMBUSH’ DETAILS: https://t.co/hkh1HBA9Bnpic.twitter.com/nD4cy9nT51
— RT (@RT_com) December 10, 2019
Barrages of gunfire could be heard in videos from the scene posted on social media.
Twelve schools were reportedly placed on lockdown. One video, apparently posted by a student at Henry Snyder high school, showed multiple snipers on a nearby roof.
Hey I go to Henry Snyder Hs, a highschool that is now on lockdown in Jersey City Nj, the shooting was close to us. There are snipers on the roof and now there's a helicopter. I'm scared. pic.twitter.com/0OLiVylQPd
— @gguk (@clitaerus) December 10, 2019
One officer had earlier been shot at a cemetery and injured in the shoulder. A second officer was shot near Martin Luther King Drive and Bidwell Avenue, according to police transmissions.
Two suspects then fled into a nearby bodega and barricaded themselves inside, police told local media.
One law enforcement source speaking to NBC New York described the attack as an "ambush."
Today is a horrific day. Officers have come under attack and we have several wounded. Our hearts are heavy and the violence is not over.We need prayers.
— New Jersey State PBA (@NJSPBA) December 10, 2019
New Jersey State Police said on Twitter that roads in the area have been closed to divert traffic flow from the location of the active shooter. They said a canine unit, bomb unit, marine services and aviation, among others, are assisting with the ongoing situation.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said its officers are among those responding to the incident.
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 @JCPoliceDept with the active shooter investigation.
— NJSP - State Police (@NJSP) December 10, 2019
Jersey City Governor Phil Murphy said on Twitter that he has been briefed on the situation. A White House spokesperson said Trump has also been briefed.
The conditions of the injured officers are unknown.
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