At least one person was killed and six others were injured in a shooting incident inside a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Union Township, New Jersey, on Saturday night, according to authorities.
The shooting occurred around 9 p.m. at a branch located on Route 22, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. The restaurant was placed on lockdown following the incident as police secured the scene.
According to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, no arrests had been made as of Sunday afternoon, and investigations are ongoing. Officials stated that the shooting does not appear to be a random act of violence, and there is currently no immediate threat to the general public.
Preliminary reports suggest the attack may have been targeted, potentially linked to a dispute involving drugs or gangs. Authorities believe the individual who died was the intended target, while the other victims included employees and bystanders present at the restaurant.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (referred in some reports as Gov. Sherill) expressed concern over the incident, stating that he is in close contact with local law enforcement and offering thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families.
Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene, with reports of multiple suspects wearing masks entering the restaurant before gunfire erupted. A parent of one employee revealed that his son called in panic during the incident, saying several co-workers had been shot.
The Union Township Police Department, along with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, continues to investigate the case and is working to identify and apprehend the suspects involved.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as efforts to solve the case continue.
