Alarming 911 calls have shed light on the terrifying scene that unfolded at a Chick-fil-A in New Jersey, as gunfire erupted within the establishment.
On Saturday, the fast-food venue on Route 22 in Union Township became the site of a violent attack, where masked assailants opened fire, resulting in six injuries and one fatality.
The specifics of the attack are still unclear, but authorities suspect it was a deliberate assault, assuring the public that there is currently no ongoing threat to the area.
A substantial emergency response was mobilized following the incident, and a distressing 911 recording captured a dispatcher relaying the grim details of the chaotic aftermath.
The dispatcher reported, “I have an unconscious witness, one individual shot in the face, and at least two others with leg injuries,” according to audio accessed by CBS News New York.
The victims and suspects have not yet been identified. The motive of the attack remains unclear.
A local who lives a block away from the location previously told the Daily Mail they heard ‘a ruckus’ as well as sirens blaring hours after the shooting ended.
The father of a Chick-fil-A worker said his son told him multiple armed suspects in masks burst into the fast food joint.
At least six people were injured and one was killed after masked suspects stormed into the Chick-fil-A on Route 22 in Union Township, New Jersey, on Saturday evening. Victims were seen being loaded into ambulances after witnesses said at least seven shots rang out
A large emergency response descended on the fast food chain after gunfire erupted. A 911 dispatcher was heard saying one person was shot in the face
The unnamed parent described the busy eatery as a ‘warzone’, and said several of his son’s co-workers had been injured.
Union County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Lauren Farinas told NJ.com that it is conducting ‘an active and ongoing investigation.’
‘More information will be released as it becomes available,’ Farinas stated.
Another man whose girlfriend works at the restaurant told CBS that the group of suspects barged in and went directly behind the counter, firing multiple shots.
A Lyft driver told ABC that he was finishing a drop-off near the Chick-fil-A when he heard more than seven shots fired.
‘I finished my trip over there, in the return zone. I heard the shots. When I finished the trip, I go to Chick-fil-A to buy two burgers – I see the police, I heard the shots very close,’ he said.
Footage showed victims being loaded into ambulances after witnesses said at least seven shots rang out.
The Chick-fil-A is located at 2139 US 22 in Union, New Jersey. The town is located just over 15 miles outside of New York City.
A parking lot off of Route 22 was also completely closed off amidst the violence, and the location was sent into lockdown.
Former New Jersey Assemblyman Jamel Holley posted a statement about the shooting on social media.
‘Numerous people are injured & one confirmed dead as emergency crews are on the scene responding to a mass shooting after gunfire erupted inside a Chick-fil-A in Union, New Jersey,’ he wrote. ‘Keep everyone in your prayers.’
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also released a statement following the violent shooting.
‘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,’ she said.
‘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.’
Union Township Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier shared on Sunday that the ‘community is heartbroken and shaken by the tragic act of violence’.
A parking lot off of Route 22 was also completely closed off amidst the violence, and the location was sent into lockdown after shots rang out
‘On behalf of the Township of Union, we are keeping all those affected in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
‘The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and we are working closely with all of our law enforcement partners as the investigation continues.
‘At this time, I urge anyone with information to come forward and assist authorities.
‘This tragedy is a painful reminder of the work that remains to ensure the safety of our communities.
‘Violence has no place in the Township of Union, and we will continue to stand together—stronger and more united—in the face of it.’
When contacted by the Daily Mail, a Chick-fil-A spokesperson said: ‘No statement to share at this point as it’s an ongoing investigation.’
Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel said that this remains ‘an active and ongoing investigation’.
The agency is offering an award up to $10,000 for anyone who brings information to police that leads to an indictment or conviction of a suspect involved in the shooting, the statement continued.
