A Newark police officer was killed, and another remains in critical condition after a shootout with a 14-year-old suspect Friday evening, authorities confirmed. The incident, which occurred near the intersection of Carteret Street and Broadway, has left the law enforcement community reeling.
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office reported that shots were fired around 6:30 p.m. near a White Castle and McDonald's, where the suspect had been gathered with a group of friends. The teenager allegedly fired 29 rounds at officers before being shot. There are conflicting reports on his condition, with some sources indicating he was killed and others stating he was taken into custody.
Both officers were transported to University Hospital, where one was pronounced dead. The second officer remains in critical condition and is "fighting for their life," the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association said in a statement.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy addressed the shooting on X, calling it a "rapidly developing situation." He urged the public to "please pray for these officers, their families, and all our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to keep us safe." Murphy and his wife, Tammy, later visited University Hospital privately to meet with law enforcement officials and the officers' families.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin also weighed in, saying his office is closely monitoring the investigation. "Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm's way every day to protect our communities, and tonight is a painful reminder of the depth of the sacrifices they make," he said.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what led to the confrontation. Newark police have taken multiple individuals into custody for questioning. A firearm was recovered at the scene, but details about how the altercation escalated remain under investigation.
The Fraternal Order of Police New Jersey State Lodge confirmed the loss of one officer. "Two brave, hero police officers of the Newark Police Department were shot in the line of duty this evening. One officer has made the ultimate sacrifice," the organization stated on X.
Joe Gamaldi, National Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police, pointed out that the Newark shooting was part of a troubling trend of violence against law enforcement officers nationwide. "In just the last three hours, there have been four police officers shot, one is dead," Gamaldi posted on X. He referenced a separate incident in North Carolina, where two Charlotte-Mecklenburg officers were wounded but expected to recover.
