Udpate: shooters at new jersey chick-fil-a mass shooting caught fleeing on dashcam, governor responds

Udpate: Shooters at New Jersey Chick-Fil-A Mass Shooting Caught Fleeing on Dashcam, Governor Responds

by
April 12, 2026
···

Authorities in Union County probe mass shooting as officials release few confirmed details.

Union, New Jersey — A mass shooting at a Chick-fil-A restaurant along Route 22 in Union Township on Saturday night left at least one person dead and multiple others wounded, as the Union County Prosecutor’s Office leads an active investigation into the violence.

Update: Union County Prosecutor’s Office Issues Statement

At approximately 9pm on Saturday, April 11, the Union Police Department responded to the Chick-Fil-A on Route 22 in Union in response to a report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they located seven victims, one of which was subsequently pronounced deceased. The six other victims were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

This is an active and ongoing investigation.

While no arrests have been made at this time, the preliminary investigation reveals this does not appear to be a random act of violence and that there is no immediate ongoing threat to the general public. We encourage the community to remain vigilant and report any information to UCPO Homicide Task Force Detective Edward Mack at (908) 347-2212, Sergeant Jennifer Smith at (908) 759-8254, or Union Police Department Detective Teon Freeman at (908) 851-5033.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at www.uctip.org; submission of tips made in this fashion that result in an indictment and conviction can be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000 via the Union County Crime Stoppers.

The shooting occurred around 8:45 p.m. near Gelb Avenue, prompting a large-scale emergency response from local and county law enforcement agencies. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has not released confirmed details on the number of victims, suspects, or a possible motive as of late Saturday night, underscoring the early and evolving nature of the case.

Reports describe chaotic scene inside restaurant

Witness accounts cited by multiple news outlets indicate that several masked individuals entered the restaurant and opened fire, striking multiple people, including employees. Initial reports suggest at least six individuals were shot, though authorities have not officially confirmed that figure.

Like in the case where he allegedly slept with Chinese spy Fang Fang, Swalwell maintains his innocence.

“These allegations are flat false. And I will fight them,” the embattled congressman said.

A father of one of the restaurant workers told reporters his son called him during the incident in a panic, saying multiple masked suspects had entered the establishment and that several co-workers had been injured. The father said he rushed to the scene and described it as a “warzone.”

A Lyft driver in the area reported hearing more than seven gunshots while finishing a nearby trip, according to published accounts.

Heavy police response, limited official details

Social media video from the scene showed a significant law enforcement presence, with emergency vehicles surrounding the restaurant late into the night. Video circulating online, including dashcam footage posted on X, appeared to show individuals fleeing the area, though authorities have not verified or commented on the footage.

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the investigation remains active but has not released suspect descriptions or confirmed whether any arrests have been made.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” according to Union County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson, Lauren Farinas. “More information will be released as it becomes available.”

—

Key Points
• Shooting reported Saturday night at Route 22 Chick-fil-A in Union Township
• At least one person dead, multiple others reported shot, officials have not confirmed totals
• Union County Prosecutor’s Office leading active investigation with limited details released
—

Governor briefed as investigation continues

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said she had been briefed on the incident and indicated the state is monitoring developments as local authorities continue their work.

“I have been briefed on the shooting last night in Union Township. As local law enforcement continues their investigation, we remain in close contact with officials on the ground,” said Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey. “My thoughts are with those who were injured in the shooting, and with their families. I am grateful to our first responders for their swift action and continued efforts to keep the community safe.”

New Jersey AG responds

“I am horrified by the shooting last night in Union Township. Local law enforcement, led by the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, is investigating the shooting. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. Gun violence has no place in our state, period,” said New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.

Officials have not confirmed the total number of victims or their conditions, and no suspect information has been formally released. The investigation remains ongoing under the jurisdiction of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

Shore News Network
Shore News Network Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

  1. The Price of Freedom for South Seaside Park is Buying New Garbage Cans
  2. NJ Dead Last in Federal Funding: Why Aren’t Our Senators and Congressional Delegation Doing More?
  3. Car Explodes on New Jersey Street, Injuring One and Damaging Nearby Home
  4. Berkeley Township Denies Moshe Shohat Application on Township-Sold Land