New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on Newark police shooting: I am in touch with local authorities

A massive police response is on at Weequahic neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey after a gunman shot at police officers from a rooftop on Tuesday afternoon and injured at least two of them. Phil Murphy, the New Jersey governor, tweeted saying that he is in touch with the local authorities and providing all the requested resources to rein in the gunman who is still at large.

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“I am aware of and closely monitoring an unfolding situation in Newark,” Murphy said in the tweet, adding, “I am in touch with local authorities and the State is providing resources as requested. We will continue to support local law enforcement and ensure that all residents are safe.”

The incident reportedly took place at Vassar Avenue and Bergen Street in the Weequahic neighborhood of New Jersey’s Newark.

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ABC News reported that one of the police officers was shot in the leg while the other was shot in the neck. The former has a fracture while the latter did not incur any serious injuries. Both are now in stable condition.

“We’re going from apartment to apartment now, SWAT is in there right now going from apartment to apartment,” Ras Baraka, Newark Mayor, said in a press conference Tuesday night.

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“They gave him instructions, there was a brief altercation, the gentleman pulled a gun out, and shot two police officers at close range. Gunshot was returned, fire was returned. The gentleman retreated into the building. Prayerfully, we can end this with a person in custody this evening,” he added.