Deadly Shooting at New Jersey Chick-fil-A Leaves 1 Dead, 6 Injured

Authorities say the attack was targeted and not a random act of violence.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:43pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing, its metallic surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the sudden and violent nature of the Chick-fil-A shooting.The aftermath of a deadly shooting at a New Jersey Chick-fil-A exposes the grim reality of gun violence in public spaces.Union Today

A shooting inside a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Union, New Jersey on Saturday night left one person dead and six others injured. The authorities said the attack was targeted and not a random act of violence, though no arrests have been made and the motive remains unclear.

Why it matters

Gun violence in public spaces continues to be a major concern, with this incident adding to the growing number of mass shootings and targeted attacks happening in the United States. The shooting at a popular fast-food chain also raises questions about security measures and the vulnerability of businesses to such incidents.

The details

According to reports, the shooting occurred around 8:45 pm on Saturday at a Chick-fil-A location on Route 22 in Union, New Jersey. A dashcam video circulating online appears to show the chaotic aftermath, with several people, including a masked individual carrying a gun, fleeing the scene. The victim who died was identified as 36-year-old Alex Lopez, the husband of one of the restaurant's employees. The six injured individuals are all expected to survive.

  • The shooting happened around 8:45 pm on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Around midnight, the Union County Medical Examiner's Office wheeled out a body bag on a stretcher.

The players

Alex Lopez

A 36-year-old man who was the husband of one of the Chick-fil-A employees. He was killed in the shooting.

Mikie Sherrill

The Governor of New Jersey, who expressed condolences and said the state was hoping for the full recovery of those injured.

Lauren Farinas

A spokeswoman for the Union County Prosecutor's Office, who stated the shooting did not appear to be a random act of violence.

Robert Frazer

The U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, who said there was no evidence of any 'terrorist ideology' connected to the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“Our hearts go out to the victim's loved ones, and we are hoping for the full recovery of those who were injured.”

— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey

“While no arrests have been made at this time, the preliminary investigation reveals this does not appear to a random act of violence, and there is no immediate ongoing threat to the general public.”

— Lauren Farinas, Spokeswoman, Union County Prosecutor's Office

“I got an unconscious witness. I've got one shot in the face … and I have at least two in the leg.”

— 911 Dispatcher

What’s next

The Union County Prosecutor's Office and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey are continuing their investigation into the shooting to determine a motive and identify any suspects.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenge of gun violence in public spaces and the need for comprehensive solutions to improve safety and security, while also addressing the underlying societal factors that contribute to such acts of violence.