Jersey City Shootout: Six People Dead, Including Officer, Two Suspects

A police officer was among six killed in a lengthy gun battle in Jersey City Tuesday, according to CBS New York.

At least one wounded civilian, along with two wounded officers, are expected to survive, officials said.

According to NBC New York's report, the shoot-out began as a homicide investigation. The deceased officer approached suspects in that investigation and was shot and killed. The suspects then fled into the Jersey City Kosher Supermarket on Martin Luther King Drive, where the standoff started around 12:30 p.m. The deceased officer has been identified as  39-year-old married father of five, Det. Joseph Seals.

CBS New York reports that the shoot-out began at the Bay View cemetery at Garfield Avenue. CBS reports the suspects were seen at the cemetery in a rental van. Officers recognized them as being wanted for questioning in a previous homicide. The suspects opened fire, hitting Det. Michael Kelly.

The suspects then drove about a mile to the grocery store, where more shots were fired.

“Units responded and were immediately engaged by high powered rifle fire,” Kelly said.

A massive gun battle ensued in the middle of the residential neighborhood. Kelly said “hundreds” of shots were fired.

NBC reported that about a dozen schools in the vicinity were locked down initially. By 2 p.m., the lockdown order extended to every public school in the entire city, the district's superintendent said.

New Jersey's Patrolmen's Benevolent Association tweeted, "Today is a horrific day. Officers have come under attack and we have several wounded. Our hearts are heavy and the violence is not over. We need prayers."

President Trump, meanwhile, tweeted, "Just received a briefing on the horrific shootout that took place in Jersey City, NJ. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims & their families during this very difficult & tragic time. We will continue to monitor the situation as we assist local & state officials on the ground."

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1204516557730275332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1204516557730275332&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewyork.cbslocal.com%2F2019%2F12%2F10%2Fjersey-city-shooting-4%2F