(Image source from: abc7ny.com)
While everyone bustled through the crowded Jersey City on Tuesday, December 09th, nobody expected to witness what they did. Rampant shooting killed at least four people (one officer included). The shooting took place in a residential area, enhancing the risks of casualties even further.
The officials who reached the crime scene also informed that it is likely that two suspects were killed in the shootout.
The incident ensued at a cemetery wherein two officers stopped two dodgy people around the corner and started interrogating them. Joseph Seals, a detective who was on the spot, was later announced dead owing to the harsh and deep injuries that he sustained on the site.
To protect themselves from the officials, the two suspects barricaded themselves inside a grocery store and later, 5 casualties inside the store were reported, out of which two are believed to be the possible suspects. The same was announced by Jersey City Police Chief Michael Kelly at a press conference.
The officials have also clarified stating that this was not an act of terrorism. Steven Fulop, the mayor of Jersey City, in a tweet exclaimed saying that following the initial investigation, it is believed that the two suspects were already targeting the location where the shootout happened.
In the tweet Fulop explained saying, “Based on our initial investigation (which is ongoing) we now believe the active shooters targeted the location they attacked. Due to an excess of caution the community may see additional police resources in the days/weeks ahead. We have no indication there are any further threats.”
Further and latest reports suggest that around 6 people were killed in the shootout, including the two suspects involved. Addressing the progress of the case, Kelly further said that they aren’t sure what the actual motive behind the shooting was.
The police officer who was killed on impact at the scene of crime was identified as Joseph Seals, who was a 13-year old veteran, serving the American police force. He was a husband and a father of five. Kelly said that the police official was killed while trying to intercept the suspects to the cemetery.
Kelly also said that at least two other officers were also shot during the shootout but they have been discharged from the hospital following the treatment.
With the unfolding events, even the schools across the Jersey City were on a lockdown to keep the children safe inside. The lock down was finally lifted at 04:15 pm local time.
In a tweet made by the governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, he stated that he has already been briefed about the situation and that he is praying for the law enforcement officials and he has complete faith on the designated people on site.
Given how impactful the entire situation was, the case has garnered a lot of police response.
In a tweet made by the New Jersey Stated police, they quoted saying, “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.”
By Somapika Dutta
