NEWARK, DELAWARE, November 1, 2026 — Six people were shot late Saturday night near the University of Delaware campus in Newark, Delaware, prompting a major police response and the temporary closure of part of the city’s busy Main Street.
According to the Newark Police Department, the shooting occurred at approximately 11:13 p.m. on October 31, as Halloween celebrations were taking place in the downtown area.
Police confirmed early Sunday morning that six victims sustained gunshot wounds. All six were transported to local hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities have not yet released the victims’ identities or information about their medical conditions.
Gunfire Near University Campus
The shooting occurred on the south sidewalk of East Main Street, directly across from Choate Street, just outside the University of Delaware campus.
Emergency responders and police officers arrived at the scene following reports of gunfire.
Video circulating on social media appeared to show people running along Main Street as police responded to the incident.
The University of Delaware issued an emergency alert at approximately 11:29 p.m., warning students, faculty, and staff about the shooting and advising them to avoid the area.
Police initially stated that, based on the available information, there did not appear to be an ongoing threat to public safety.
Main Street Closed for Five Hours
The shooting prompted authorities to close a section of Main Street while detectives examined the scene and collected evidence.
According to the Newark Police Department’s November 1 update, Main Street remained closed for approximately five hours between South Chapel Street and Haines Street.
The closure disrupted traffic and pedestrian access in one of the city’s busiest downtown areas.
Police have not yet disclosed what led to the shooting or whether the victims were specifically targeted.
No arrests or suspect information had been announced in the department’s early Sunday updates.
Police Seek Information From Witnesses
Newark Police detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have asked members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or recorded photographs and videos to provide that material to investigators.
Police have not confirmed a motive or released further details about the people involved.
Additional information is expected as the investigation progresses.
Halloween Night Turns Into Emergency
The shooting occurred during Halloween celebrations in Newark, a university city where Main Street serves as a popular gathering area for students, residents, and visitors.
The proximity of the shooting to the University of Delaware prompted immediate concern within the campus community, although officials have not confirmed whether any of the six victims were university students.
The incident took place in Newark, Delaware, not Newark, New Jersey, which shares the same city name.
As of Sunday morning, six people had been confirmed wounded, and investigators were working to determine what caused the shooting.
Sources: Newark Police Department, November 1, 2026; NBC10 Philadelphia, November 1, 2026.
By NJ RADAR Team