Masked Gunmen Open Fire at New Jersey Chick-fil-A, Killing 1 and Injuring 6

Authorities say the shooting was a targeted attack, not a random act of violence, as a manhunt continues for the suspects.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:00pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on the ground, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative mood without words.The aftermath of a targeted shooting at a New Jersey Chick-fil-A exposes the grim realities of gun violence in local communities.Union Today

In a shocking incident, masked gunmen stormed a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Union, New Jersey on Saturday night, opening fire and killing one person while injuring six others. The attack is believed to have been a targeted incident, not a random act of violence, according to investigators. A manhunt is currently underway for the suspects, who remain at large.

Why it matters

This brazen attack on a popular fast-food restaurant has shaken the local community and raised concerns about public safety. The shooting comes amid a broader trend of gun violence incidents across the country, underscoring the need for effective measures to address the root causes and prevent such tragedies from occurring.

The details

According to authorities, the masked gunmen entered the Chick-fil-A restaurant on Route 22 in Union Township around 9 PM on Saturday and opened fire, killing one person and injuring six others. The victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover. Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack, not a random act of violence, but the motive remains unclear. Dashcam footage captured what appeared to be a masked individual fleeing the scene with a gun.

  • The shooting occurred around 9 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2026, at the Chick-fil-A restaurant on Route 22 in Union Township, New Jersey.
  • The Union County Prosecutor's Office is asking the public to submit tips by phone or online, noting that rewards of up to $10,000 may be available for information leading to an indictment and conviction.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The Democratic governor of New Jersey, who expressed condolences to the victim's loved ones and wished for the full recovery of those injured.

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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

What’s next

The Union County Prosecutor's Office is continuing its investigation and manhunt for the suspects involved in the shooting. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges communities face in addressing gun violence and ensuring public safety. As authorities work to apprehend the suspects, the local community will need to come together to support the victims and their families, and to find ways to prevent such senseless acts of violence from occurring in the future.