Two police officers shot in New Jersey by suspect who was carrying a long gun from a roof, according to reports
Two New Jersey police officers were shot Tuesday in Newark, across the Hudson River.prompting a mass search for a suspect with a long gun, authorities said.
According to NBC New York, one of the officers was shot in the leg, and the other officer in the neck, who were taken to a local hospital.
“All we can confirm is that there was an incident,” said a spokesperson for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. “Two officers are being treated at a local hospital and the scene is still very active.”
Some media reports noted that the suspect fired at officers from a roof, reported Fox News.
Several law enforcement agencies were present in response to the shooting, including the FBI, the New Jersey State Police, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Marshals Service. SWAT agents also approached the scene.
Meanwhile, the governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, issued a statement on his Twitter account in which he noted that he is in contact with the authorities to ensure the safety of citizens.
“I am aware of and closely monitoring a situation unfolding in Newark”the governor wrote. “I am in contact with the local authorities and the State is providing the requested resources. We will continue to support local law enforcement, and make sure all residents are safe.”
For his part, New Jersey Democratic Representative Donald Payne, whose district includes Newark, He stressed that he is also closely following the incident on Tuesday.
“Encouraging everyone to follow police instructions, stay away from the scene and remain vigilant by entering and closing your doors. I also pray for the two brave officers injured today, and I pray for their full recovery,” he said.
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