Shooting in Jersey City leaves multiple people dead, including police officer

Multiple people were killed, including a police officer, in a shooting in Jersey City, N.J., on Tuesday, local officials confirmed on Tuesday. 

Media reports earlier in the day, including from The New York Times, had reported a shooting at a kosher market in the city that involved heavy gunfight between the shooters and the police.

Jersey City Police Chief Michael Kelly said that five people in the store were declared dead, including potentially two shooters, based on preliminary information.

“We believe two of them are bad guys,” he said during a press conference. “We believe three of them are not and may be civilians that were inside the store.”

The deceased police officer identified as Joe Seals was found at another location, he said.

The Hudson County prosecutor’s office had earlier confirmed the officer’s death in a tweet, while noting two officers and a bystander were wounded but were in stable condition.

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) December 10, 2019

“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,” President Trump tweeted on Tuesday afternoon.

“We will continue to monitor the situation as we assist local & state officials on the ground.”

Hudson County officials described the attack as an “ambush” to local NBC affiliate News 4. New York’s CBS station reported that police are looking for a male shooter and a female shooter.

CNN reported at least one of the shooters was “neutralized” inside the bodega.

The shooting led officials to lock down schools in Jersey City, according to a tweet from the school district, which noted all students and staff are safe. 

Sorry for auto correct. All students and staff are safe however ALL school are currently on lockdown due to police activity

— JCPS District (@jcps_district) December 10, 2019

Law enforcement agencies including the county’s SWAT team, the New Jersey Transit Police, the New York Police Department and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the attack, according to the media reports. 

Breaking: @ATF_Newark Agents responding to reports of an active shooter in Jersey City, NJ. pic.twitter.com/lC48sne5ov

— ATF Newark (@ATF_Newark) December 10, 2019

***ALERT***

NJ Transit Police are assisting Jersey City with an active shooting incident within the area of the west side branch. 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

— NJ TRANSIT Police (@NJTransitPolice) December 10, 2019

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement that he has been briefed on the shooting and his thoughts and prayers are “with the officers shot during this standoff, and with the residents and schoolchildren currently on lockdown.”

“I have every confidence in our law enforcement professionals to ensure the safety of the community and resolve this situation,” he said in a statement on Twitter. “Today reminds us of their bravery and the sacrifices they, and their families, make for our communities.” 

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 schoolchildren currently under lockdown.

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 10, 2019

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said he is also monitoring developments.

“Thankful to the law enforcement officers who reacted quickly and bravely, and my thoughts are with all of the first responders still on the scene working to keep area residents safe,” Booker said in a tweet. 

We are monitoring the shooting in Jersey City closely. Thankful to the law enforcement officers who reacted quickly and bravely, and my thoughts are with all of the first responders still on the scene working to keep area residents safe.

— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) December 10, 2019

Updated at 5:55 p.m.