The Newport Mall shooting in Jersey City unfolded on the evening of January 11, 2019, inside the busy third-floor food court of the Newport Centre mall. Two men sustained gunshot wounds following a targeted dispute, triggering a massive police response, an immediate lockdown, and the rapid evacuation of hundreds of panicked shoppers into the cold winter air.
Unlike separate major tragedies often confused with it—such as the tragic anti-Semitic attack at a kosher grocery store later that same year in Jersey City—the Newport Centre incident was a targeted altercation between individuals known to law enforcement. Understanding what happened requires looking past initial social media panic and examining the official police reports, timeline, and subsequent legal fallout.
What Happened at Newport Centre Mall
On a Friday evening around 6:00 p.m., a physical fight broke out on the third-floor food court area near the Burger King at Newport Centre. Amid the argument, a firearm was produced, and shots were fired.
Two men were struck by gunfire. One victim suffered a gunshot wound to the arm, while the other was hit in the abdomen. Both injured individuals fled or were treated nearby before being transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where they were listed in critical but stable condition.
According to statements from local officials, including Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Police Chief Michael Kelly, the shooting was not a random act of mass violence. Investigators quickly determined that the parties involved knew each other and that the confrontation stemmed from a targeted dispute. Furthermore, police revealed that one of the victims was already wanted on an active arrest warrant in connection with a separate shooting that had occurred days prior on Grant Avenue in Jersey City.
Panic, Lockdown, and Evacuation
The sound of gunfire sent immediate shockwaves through the multi-level shopping center. Thousands of patrons and employees scrambled for safety.
- Immediate Shelter-in-Place: Diners and retail workers hid inside stockrooms, storage areas, and shuttered storefronts as word of an active shooter spread. Moviegoers inside the mall's theater complex reported that films abruptly stopped playing while police officers secured the area.
- Building Evacuation: Mall security and responding law enforcement officers began clearing the premises floor by floor. Shoppers were hurried out into the freezing January weather, leaving behind coats, shopping bags, and personal belongings.
- Transit Disruption: NJ Transit halted bus services to and from the Newport Centre terminal, redirecting routes to surrounding streets while tactical units and emergency medical services locked down the perimeter.
For nearly an hour, unverified rumors circulated online, suggesting multiple shooters or widespread casualties. Law enforcement officials worked swiftly to quell misinformation, confirming that the violence was localized and that a manhunt was underway for the suspect who pulled the trigger.
Investigation and Legal Aftermath
In the days following the incident, local and county detectives reviewed surveillance footage and gathered witness testimonies to identify the gunman. Investigators released details regarding Ahmad Broadway, whom police sought as the primary suspect in the food court shooting.
Complicating the narrative, law enforcement later charged one of the injured victims, Jalil Holmes, with unrelated offenses as the investigation unraveled deeper connections to local gang activity and retaliatory street violence. City officials used the event to address the broader crisis of illegal firearms flowing into urban centers, pointing out the persistent challenges local police face in removing ghost guns and unlicensed weapons from circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was anyone killed in the Newport Mall shooting?
No fatalities resulted from the gunfire at Newport Centre. Two men sustained gunshot wounds and were treated at a local hospital for non-fatal injuries.
Was the shooting a random act of violence?
No. Investigators confirmed that the incident was an isolated, targeted dispute between individuals who knew one another, rather than a random attack on shoppers.
How did the mall respond to the incident?
Mall security and the Jersey City Police Department initiated an immediate lockdown, evacuated the building, and suspended nearby public transit while clearing the facility.
Is Newport Centre Mall considered safe to visit?
Yes. Security protocols at the transit-adjacent retail hub are heavily maintained through private security and active local police partnerships, and the 2019 incident remains an isolated criminal dispute. You can review current safety measures directly via the Newport Centre official site.
