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3 victims named in Jersey City shooting attack, mayor says mkt. ‘targeted’

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An eyewitness has confirmed that two of the civilians murdered in Tuesday’s Jersey City shooting attack are members of the local hassidic community: Leah Minda Ferencz, who owned the store with her husband, and Moshe Deutsch, 24, Chabad.org reported. A third victim was identified earlier by Mayor Steven Fulop as veteran police officer Joe Seals, a father of five.
The attack is now being investigated as a hate crime. According to Fulop, those who opened fire in a Jewish supermarket on Tuesday “targeted the location they attacked.” “Based on our initial investigation (which is ongoing) we now believe the active shooters targeted the location they attacked,” the mayor tweeted. “Due to an excess of caution the community may see additional police resources in the days/weeks ahead. We have no indication there are any further threats.”

Late Tuesday night Israel time, a police officer and five other people, including two suspects, were found dead in a Jersey City kosher supermarket following an active shooter situation, according to reports. The officer was allegedly shot at Bay View cemetery when two suspects fled to the kosher supermarket, ABC News reported.

Early Wednesday, a post on Instagram that was quoted by Jewish press shared the names of some of the alleged victims, though they could not be confirmed.  The officers arrived at the kosher market where suspects opened fire with long guns, according to ABC News. At least one suspect allegedly continued firing at responders as they retreated. Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez confirmed on Twitter that one police officer was fatally shot, and that two more officers were struck by gunfire; they are reportedly in stable condition. ABC reported that the first officer, who has since been identified as  police officer Joe Seals, died after being transported to the hospital for treatment. A source told The Jerusalem Post that one person injured in the attack was from the small Satmar community in the area. There are some 100 Satmar families which have moved in to the area in the past two years.

Trump responded on Twitter, saying that “[I] Just received a briefing on the horrific shootout that took place in Jersey City, NJ. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims & their families during this very difficult & tragic time. We will continue to monitor the situation as we assist local & state officials on the ground.”

On Tuesday, Fulop tweeted: “Just provided a brief update to press as scene is still active but secure. 2 officers struck by gun fire. One of the officers tragically has given his life. 2 other officers receiving medical treatment at the jcmc for injuries unrelated. Please keep these officers in your prayers.”

In a press conference, Fulop confirmed that the two wounded officers – identified as Ray Sanchez and Ferenella Fernandez – have been discharged from the hospital. According to Fulop and Jersey City police chief Mike Kelly, Seals was heavily involved with getting guns off the streets. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that one hassidic person was shot in his hand while running away and that two more were reportedly injured inside the store during the shooting. The ministry reported that the injured persons are not Israeli citizens. A Chabad.org report confirmed that the wounded hassidic Jew was shot several times while trying to sneak out of the store’s back door when the shooting began. However, he is said to be in good condition. Multiple reports said that the shooting was at or near a Kosher supermarket, some citing JC Kosher Supermarket as the location and others saying it was at a nearby bodega. Fulop described the crime scene as being “very extensive” and spanning at least three locations. He said he expected the investigation to take weeks, or even months. “At this time, reports indicate this is a criminal incident and does not appear to be a targeted attack against the Jewish community. We will continue to monitor and update,” The Secure Community Network, a North American Jewish security organization, tweeted. “According to senior sources I spoke to minutes ago, it feels as if the incident in Jersey City was not a terror attack or a hate crime. However, the event is not over yet, the situation is ongoing and at this stage it is only a feeling,” Consul General of Israel in New York Dani Dayan tweeted. Two gunmen opened fire in a convenience store, hitting at least one officer in the shoulder, The New York Times reported. However, a law enforcement officer who spoke to News 4 said it was at least one gunman, but did not specify a number. A person working nearby told Huffington Post that the incident occurred at JC Kosher Supermarket. The shooting at the supermarket occurred moments after the store owner left to pray the Mincha afternoon prayer at the small synagogue next door, Chabad.org reported. A third gunman is still at large, according to Fox News. One Jersey City resident told CBS News that it is “a very high crime area. We’re used to gunshots, but nothing like this that’s happening now.” The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association tweeted: “We need a lot of prayers right now for Jersey City officers. Keep all those involved in your thoughts.”

According to News 4, Jersey City SWAT teams and state police responded to the incident, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI are ready to get involved as needed. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed on Twitter that the New York Police Department (NYPD) is “closely monitoring the ongoing situation in Jersey City and we are ready to assist in any way we can.” He offered his deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the shooting. “To my friend Mayor @StevenFulop and the people of his great city: we stand with you tonight.”

ATF Newark tweeted, “Breaking: @ATF_Newark Agents responding to reports of an active shooter in Jersey City, NJ.”

The School District of Jersey City announced on Facebook that a number of schools were on lockdown. “All students and staff are safe, however a number of schools are on lockdown due to police activity.
PS 12 14 29 41 40 SHS LHS Innovation Academy I and Infinity. However, the list can change as needed.” “We are on lockdown. Absolutely on lockdown. Everybody in the school seems okay,” a Sacred Heart School official told The New York Post, adding, “There was so much gun fire. A lot. More than we’ve ever heard.” “First there was some gun fire, then more, then more,” the school official said. “We immediately went into safety protocols and everyone is in the school and doing well.” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy wrote in a statement on Twitter that, “I have been briefed on the unfolding situation in Jersey City. Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of the Jersey City Police Department, especially with the officers shot during this standoff, and with the residents and schoolchildren currently under lockdown. “I have every confidence in our law enforcement professionals to ensure the safety of the community and resolve this situation. Today reminds us of their bravery and the sacrifices they, and their families, make for our communities.”

The White House said that President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting “and continues to monitor the situation.” Fulop confirmed over Twitter that he has been in close contact with the Jewish community in Jersey City and has arranged for proper burials for the victims with the help of the organization Misaskim.

Jeremy Sharon, Ilanit Chernick and JTA contributed to this report.

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