Newark police department - file photo
Newark Police Department - File Photo

New Jersey candidate for governor blames NJ officials for Newark police shooting

by
March 21, 2025
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ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Mayor Mario Kranjac has blamed state and local Democratic leaders for creating what he calls an “anti-police environment” following the fatal shooting of Newark Police Detective Azcona and the injury of another officer.

In a statement Monday, Kranjac, a Republican and outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump, claimed that policies from Governor Phil Murphy, Attorney General Matt Platkin, former Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka have contributed to lawlessness.

“The horrific murder of a Police Officer by a 14-year-old child-criminal shows how decades of a left-wing, Marxist, anti-police ideology have hollowed out a once great city,” Kranjac said, adding that the officials “have the blood of fallen police officers on their hands.”

The shooting, which involved a teenage suspect, has reignited debates over crime, policing, and public safety in New Jersey. Kranjac, who is considering a gubernatorial run, vowed to “restore law and order” in the state.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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