ELIZABETH, NJ — One person was killed and several others were injured Monday night, October 26, when gunfire erupted during a memorial gathering in Elizabeth, New Jersey, prompting a large police response and an ongoing investigation.
The shooting occurred in the area of Irvington Avenue and Elmwood Place, where officers responded to reports of multiple people struck by gunfire.
Elizabeth police confirmed at least one fatality, while local media reported several additional victims. Authorities have not yet released a final count of those injured.
Memorial Gathering Turns Deadly
According to witness accounts reported by ABC7 New York and the New York Post, a group of people had gathered for a candlelight vigil honoring a man who was killed approximately seven years ago.
The gathering turned violent when gunshots rang out, sending people fleeing the area.
Witnesses described hearing numerous shots as police and emergency medical personnel rushed to the scene.
Investigators placed multiple evidence markers along the street, while police tape blocked access to several surrounding blocks.
The identity of the person being remembered at the vigil has not been publicly confirmed.
One Fatality Confirmed, Several Others Hospitalized
The Elizabeth Police Department confirmed that at least one person died in the shooting.
According to reports, at least three additional victims were transported to University Hospital in Newark.
Two reportedly suffered gunshot wounds to their arms or legs, while another sustained a chest wound.
Initial reports from RLS Media suggested that as many as six people may have been injured, but those figures remain preliminary.
Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the victims’ identities or the conditions of those hospitalized.
Investigators Examine Reports of a Red Vehicle
Police are investigating reports that a red sedan fled the area following the shooting.
According to preliminary information, the vehicle was reportedly seen heading west along Morris Avenue.
The New York Post also reported that a burned-out red vehicle was discovered several miles away.
Investigators are examining whether the vehicle is connected to the shooting.
No suspect has been publicly identified, and no arrest had been confirmed in the initial reports.
Motive Remains Unknown
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
Authorities have not established whether the violence was directly connected to the memorial gathering or to the killing that occurred approximately seven years earlier.
The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is handling the investigation, with assistance from local law enforcement.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about gun violence in residential neighborhoods, particularly following reports that the victims had gathered to remember someone previously killed.
As investigators continue collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, officials have not announced a possible motive.
This is a developing story. Additional information is expected as authorities confirm the number of victims and release further details about the investigation.
Sources: CBS News New York, October 26, 2026; ABC7 New York, October 27, 2026; New York Post, October 27, 2026; RLS Media, October 26, 2026; News 12 New Jersey.
By NJ RADAR Team