Newark Police Shooting Sparks Misinformation, Mayor Reports

A police shooting in Newark, New Jersey earlier this week has left one civilian dead and another injured, prompting city officials to call for patience amid what they describe as a “stream of misinformation” circulating in the community.

The incident occurred Monday afternoon when Newark police officers “encountered several civilians” near the intersection of Ross Street and Evergreen Avenue shortly after 1 p.m., according to preliminary information released by authorities. During this encounter, an officer discharged his weapon, striking two civilians. One individual was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting, while the second person was hospitalized for treatment. Their current condition has not been disclosed.

In accordance with New Jersey law, the state Attorney General’s Office has launched an independent investigation into the fatal police shooting, a mandatory procedure whenever a civilian dies during an interaction with law enforcement.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. released a joint statement Wednesday addressing community concerns and urging residents to allow the investigative process to unfold properly.

“A stream of misinformation has been circulating regarding details of the incident. We understand that many in our community are hurting and need factual answers,” the statement read. “We ask our residents to trust the process by exercising patience and by understanding that the New Jersey attorney general’s office is conducting an impartial and independent investigation on behalf of the people of our great city.”

The city officials also called on “well-meaning people” to cooperate with investigators. The Attorney General’s investigation is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete.

Authorities have not released the identities of the deceased individual, the injured civilian, or the officers involved in the incident. Officials have also not disclosed what circumstances led to the officer firing his weapon or how many shots were fired.

No police officers were physically injured during the encounter, though one officer was taken to a hospital for evaluation as a precautionary measure and was later released.

This incident comes at a time when police use of force continues to be a sensitive issue in communities across the United States. Newark, a city with a population of approximately 310,000 residents, has previously implemented various police reforms following a 2016 consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice that mandated changes to the department’s policies and practices.

The shooting has sparked concern within Newark’s community, with some residents and activists questioning the circumstances surrounding the incident. The officials’ reference to “misinformation” suggests that unofficial or unverified accounts of the shooting may be circulating through social media and community networks.

Law enforcement experts note that investigations into police shootings typically involve collecting witness statements, reviewing body camera footage if available, examining forensic evidence, and determining whether the use of force followed departmental policies and legal standards.

As the investigation continues, community leaders have emphasized the importance of transparency in the process. The Attorney General’s findings, once completed, will provide a clearer picture of the events that unfolded on Monday afternoon and determine whether the officer’s actions were justified under the circumstances.