Shooting at New Jersey Chik-fil-A Leaves One Dead, Several Injured

Masked gunmen opened fire inside the fast-food restaurant on Saturday night.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:41pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing lying on the tiled floor of a Chik-fil-A restaurant, the harsh flash lighting creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually illustrates the aftermath of a public shooting.The aftermath of a shocking shooting at a New Jersey Chik-fil-A exposes the vulnerability of public spaces to sudden acts of violence.Union Today

At least six people were shot, and one person was killed, after several masked individuals entered a Chik-fil-A restaurant in Union, New Jersey and opened fire on Saturday night. The Union County Prosecutor's Office is conducting an active investigation into the incident.

Why it matters

Gun violence in public spaces continues to be a major concern for communities across the United States. This latest shooting at a popular fast-food chain highlights the need for improved security measures and crisis response protocols to protect employees and customers.

The details

According to reports, the shooting occurred around 8:40 p.m. EDT on Saturday night. Several masked individuals entered the Chik-fil-A restaurant, walked behind the counter, and then opened fire on the patrons and employees inside. Police responded within minutes and located multiple victims, with five being transported to the hospital and one person pronounced dead at the scene. The conditions of the other victims have not been released.

  • The shooting occurred around 8:40 p.m. EDT on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The players

Union County Prosecutor's Office

The local law enforcement agency conducting the active investigation into the shooting incident.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill

The governor of New Jersey who has been briefed on the shooting and is in close contact with officials on the ground.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey

What’s next

The Union County Prosecutor's Office will continue its investigation and release more information as it becomes available.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting at a popular fast-food chain highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in public spaces and the need for improved security measures and crisis response protocols to protect employees and customers.