UNION, N.J. (WABC/CNN Newsource/WKRC) – At least 6 people were allegedly shot in a New Jersey Chick-fil-A restaurant after several masked suspects entered the business and opened fire.
The shooting took place at around 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, local outlet WABC reported. An employee’s father claimed that his son called him panicking, saying that several masked suspects entered the restaurant with firearms and started shooting. The man allegedly said several of his co-workers had been injured in the shooting.
A shooting inside a Chick-fil-A restaurant in New Jersey has left multiple people injured, prompting a major police response and an ongoing investigation, according to officials and local reports.
The incident occurred on the evening of April 11, 2026, at a location along Route 22 in Union Township. Authorities say gunfire erupted shortly before 9 p.m., sending customers and employees scrambling for safety. Early reports indicate that at least six people were shot, with at least one fatality confirmed, though officials have not yet released a full accounting of victims.
Witnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene. Some reported hearing multiple gunshots in rapid succession, while others said the restaurant quickly descended into panic as people tried to flee. A rideshare driver nearby said the shots sounded “very close,” and family members of employees described the aftermath as resembling a “war zone.”
According to preliminary accounts, the shooting may have involved multiple suspects. Some reports suggest that a group of masked individuals entered the restaurant, forced their way behind the counter, and opened fire following an altercation. However, law enforcement has not yet confirmed the number of assailants or the circumstances leading up to the violence.
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene, where a heavy police presence remained for hours. Officers secured the area, evacuated individuals, and began collecting evidence. Several victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, though their conditions have not been fully disclosed.
The Union County Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation, and officials have described the situation as active and ongoing. No arrests have been announced, and authorities have not yet identified a motive. Investigators are expected to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses as they work to piece together what happened.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill acknowledged the incident, expressing concern and offering support to local officials and victims. The shooting has once again raised questions about public safety in everyday spaces, particularly in locations typically seen as family-friendly.
This incident marks yet another episode in a series of mass shootings across the United States in 2026, underscoring the persistence of gun violence nationwide. Community members in Union Township remain shaken as they await further details about the victims and the circumstances behind the attack.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
