In Union Township, New Jersey, six people were injured and one person was killed in a shooting at a Chick-fil-A on Route 22, major media outlets reported. Masked shooters stormed into the restaurant and opened fire, according to witnesses. Police believe the attack was targeted and said there is no ongoing threat to the community.
A 911 dispatcher reported that one person was shot in the face and at least two were shot in the leg. A father of a Chick-fil-A worker told reporters that his son said multiple armed suspects in masks burst into the restaurant. The father described the scene as a 'warzone' and said several co-workers were injured. A man whose girlfriend works at the restaurant said the suspects went behind the counter and fired multiple shots. A Lyft driver told Daily Mail - News that he heard more than seven shots near the Chick-fil-A. Witnesses said at least seven shots rang out.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
The Union County Prosecutor's Office is conducting an active investigation, spokesperson Lauren Farinas said. The victims and suspects have not been identified, and the motive remains unclear, according to multiple reports. Former New Jersey Assemblyman Jamel Holley posted on social media that numerous people were injured and one confirmed dead. U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill released a statement saying she was briefed on the shooting and is in contact with local law enforcement.
The Chick-fil-A is located at 2139 US 22 in Union, New Jersey, about 15 miles outside New York City. A parking lot off Route 22 was closed off and the location was locked down. A local resident reported hearing a 'ruckus' and sirens hours after the shooting.
I finished my trip over there, in the return zone. I heard the shots. When I finished the trip, I go to Chick-fil-A to buy two burgers - I see the police, I heard the shots very close.
In a separate incident, an active shooter opened fire at a food court inside the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, injuring at least six people, according to multiple reports. FBI and SWAT teams are at the scene. All mall entrances are closed and shoppers were moved to tunnels. It is unclear if the two shootings are related.