Two New Jersey police officers shot, officers search door-to-door for suspect

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New Jersey law enforcement on the scene where multiple officers were shot by a gunman in Newark, New Jersey

New Jersey law enforcement arrived on the scene where multiple officers were shot by a gunman in Newark, New Jersey

Two New Jersey police officers were shot Tuesday and authorities were searching for the suspect inside a building as officers continue to search door-to-door, officials said.

The shooting in Newark prompted a massive police response in the city, which is located across the Hudson River from New York City. Officers and a suspect, identified as Kendall Howard, with a criminal history exchanged gunfire with officers serving a warrant, authorities said. 

The officers initially didn't find Howard but encountered him as they were leaving the building and shots were fired, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka told reporters.

One officer was shot in the leg and another had a graze wound to the neck before the bullet went into his shoulder. He underwent surgery and both officers were in stable condition.

Howard retreated into the building after the shooting.

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"It's still ongoing," Baraka said. "They are still clearing out the building, and prayerfully we can end this with a person in custody this evening."

Other officers pulled the injured cops to safety, authorities said.

Local reports initially said the suspect had a long gun and was on a rooftop, but Baraka said he believes a long gun was not involved and that the officers were shot at close range.

Several law enforcement agencies have responded to the scene, including the New Jersey State Police, Essex County Sheriff's Office, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and U.S. Marshals Service.

SWAT officers were also at the scene.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he was aware of the situation.

"I am aware of and closely monitoring an unfolding situation in Newark," he tweeted. "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."

Sen. Bob Menendez said his team is "monitoring the unfolding situation in Newark and will remain in touch with local and state authorities to provide whatever assistance we can."

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, whose district includes Newark, said he was also following Tuesday's events.

I am aware of and closely monitoring the situation unfolding in Newark," he said in a statement. "Encouraging everyone to follow the directions of police, stay away from the scene and remain vigilant by going indoors and locking your doors. I am also praying for the two courageous officers wounded today and am praying for their full recovery."

Aerial footage of police response to Newark shooting on Nov. 1, 2022. (WNYW)

Michael Melham, the mayor of Belleville, a suburb a few minutes north of Newark, said he was aware of the "active shooter situation." 

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"We are aware of the unfolding active shooter situation in Newark," he posted on Facebook. "The Belleville PD has been in touch with their counterparts in Newark to offer assistance. We stand ready to support Newark in whatever capacity needed. In the meantime, here in Belleville we will be increasing patrols along the Newark/Belleville border."