Shots fired in New Jersey: ‘Sounds like a war zone’
A MAJOR police operation is underway in the heart of Jersey City where a volley of shots have been fired and several people are dead in scenes reminiscent of a "war zone".
Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop said there were "multiple deceased" inside a commercial building on Martin Luther King Drive. At least six people have been killed, including one police officer, three civilians, and the two suspected shooters, officials confirmed. The slain police officer was not immediately identified.
Another two police officers and at least one civilian were wounded and are expected to survive, according to Hudson County prosecutor's office.
Police initially said the two suspects were a man and a woman but have not yet provided further details or a possible motive.
A New Jersey City Police officer told news.com.au the situation was "too active" for him to immediately comment on.
Jersey City Director of Public Safety James Shea said the incident was not believed to be terror-related.
Preliminary reports indicated that the incident unfolded when an officer approached one of the suspects in connection with an investigation into an earlier homicide and was shot dead, according to a person with knowledge of the matter, the New York Times reports.
The pair then fled in a van and eventually ended up at JC Kosher supermarket where at least one of them opened fire.
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.
— New Jersey State PBA (@NJSPBA) 10 December 2019
We need prayers.
The sounds of rapid gunfire ringing out on the street have been captured on video and shared widely on social media. Witnesses, including CBS News journalist Alice Gainer, described hearing "at least 100 shots" fired over about one hour. NBC News reports a police officer described the attack as an "ambush".
Another witness described how the shooting started.
"I was standing by the salad bar in the grocery and I heard three shots, bullets shattered the glass of the grocery," said one witness in the store, according to Chabad.org, a Jewish news source.
"Suddenly I saw two people come in, with long black raincoats and long guns. They tried to point the gun at me, I pushed it away and ran away."
SOUND ON: Jersey City sounds like a war zone; ALL schools on lockdown, police tell media to leave the area - https://t.co/AIGMupF1k7 pic.twitter.com/6wvtJYNaYc
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) 10 December 2019
Heavily armed local and state officers in SWAT trucks swarmed the scene, aiming their guns in every direction, knocking on doors and ushering residents and business owners to safety, and ducking behind doorways and shop entrances - some even crawling along footpaths, closely pressed to the ground - as they zeroed in on the store. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also responding to the situation.
"We need a lot of prayers right now for Jersey City officers. Keep all those involved in your thoughts," the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association tweeted.
All nearby schools were placed on lockdown and police ordered members of the public and media to leave the area as helicopters circled overhead.




New Jersey Transit Police "are assisting Jersey City with an active shooting incident within the area of the west side branch", the department said in a tweet.
"Stay clear of the area until further notice.
"HBLR service is suspended. ALL bus service on the West Side Branch is suspended updates to follow."
Jersey City is located in the state of New Jersey across the Hudson River from Manhattan, New York City. It's the second most populous city in NJ with a population of roughly 265,000.
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) 10 December 2019
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy wrote on Twitter, "I have been briefed on the unfolding situation in jersey City. our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of the Jersey City Police Department, especially with the officers shot during this standoff, and with the residents and school children currently under lockdown."
Just received a briefing on the horrific shootout that took place in Jersey City, NJ. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims & their families during this very difficult & tragic time. We will continue to monitor the situation as we assist local & state officials on the ground.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 10 December 2019
All students and staff are safe, according to the Jersey City school district.
"All students and staff are safe however ALL school are currently on lockdown due to police activity," the school district tweeted.
US President Donald Trump has been briefed on the shooting and continues to monitor the situation, he said in a tweet.
The #HCPO is confirming that one police officer has been fatally shot today in #JerseyCity. Two add'l officers & one civilian have also been struck by gunfire but they are stable. Avoid the entire area surrounding MLK Blvd & Bayview Ave. More info to follow.
— ProsecutorSuarezHCPO (@HCPOProsecutor) 10 December 2019
#FBI is on scene in Jersey City. The public is asked to stay away from the area of MLK Drive near the light rail station as well as Bay View cemetery. Your cooperation is appreciated.
— FBI Newark (@FBINewark) 10 December 2019
JUST IN: Massive police response right now in New Jersey after active shooter was called in possible hostage situation. Stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/QXKRoUs0v3
— Mark Kennedy 🇺🇸 (@RealMarkKennedy) December 10, 2019