During the commuting hours of Friday evening, three separate shots rang out in the food court area of the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City. People were seen fleeing the mall at a rapid pace, and then all stores were put on lockdown until authorities arrived. Once police got to the scene, the mall was promptly evacuated. Many people reported that they were hiding in stores, taking to Twitter to spread the news and share their accounts of what was happening.
Ken Ferrante, Chief of Hoboken Police, urged the public to stay away from the area, as there is an active investigation of the shooting. One person was taken to the Jersey City Medical Center, and according to most reports, the shooter is still on the loose.
We urge everyone to stay clear of the area until further notice!
Update as of 7:42PM:
NJ Transit has also tweeted that bus service has been stopped for the time being:
“Bus service to/from Newport Center Mall in Jersey City has been temporary stopped due to local police activity. All buses service will terminate/originate on Washington St. Additional bus information will be forthcoming.”
Update as of 7:47 PM:
According to NJ.com, a law enforcement source has shared with the outlet that the shooting may be related to a recent Ocean Avenue shooting and is “considered gang retaliation.”
Update as of 8:53PM:
Mayor Fulop and Chief Ferrante reported that two were shot and in critical condition during tonight’s press conference inside the mall. One was wounded in the stomach and the other in the arm. Both are at the Jersey City Medical Center. Shooting victim Jaleel Holmes is suspected of involvement in a shooting and attempted murder on Grant Avenue in Jersey City this past Wednesday. He was actively being sought by law enforcement for the shooting.
Will update as we know more from authorities. Please be safe.
Please avoid leaving @CityofHoboken via Henderson St/Marin Blvd and Grove St. Also avoid Washington Blvd in Jersey City due to investigation of shooting at Newport Mall!
— Chief Ken Ferrante (@KenFerrante) January 12, 2019
Stay way from Newport Mall. I can confirm 2 shots were fired. Was just in the food court. https://t.co/D0RQujQdWX
— Ken S (@BigFilipino) January 11, 2019
Guys there was a shooting at Newport Centre Mall right now my mom is there & she’s okay. Please try to get in contact with your loved ones and stay safe 🙏🏼❤️. #NewportMall #JerseyCity
— January 18th ✨ (@Genevuh) January 11, 2019
I’m talking to a few people who are still hiding in the Newport mall in Jersey City. They don’t know whether it’s safe yet. Cops everywhere.
— Terrence T. McDonald (@terrencemcd) January 11, 2019
#Shooting in #NewJersey #mall #JerseyCity #live pic.twitter.com/pRFGHeoTSN
— A (@fiberantics) January 11, 2019
Newport mall #activeshooter #staysafe pic.twitter.com/UH03Dnm02X
— BJP2019 (@sharmanarinder1) January 12, 2019
We have reached out to Newport Mall for comment, but are awaiting a response.
Hoping all are safe.
Any news tips, email hello@hobokengirl.com.
