NEW JERSEY: Police investigate overnight shooting at Jersey City’s Exchange Place

By Isiah Christie

Exchange Place’s PATH Station, one of the largest areas of congregation in Jersey City, is naturally prone to all types of crowds. And unfortunately, the wrong kind inhabited the area Saturday night, leading to a whirlwind of violence and police activity that disrupted the activities of locals.

Jersey City adolescents and teens are known to occupy the area in the summertime, often hanging around its newly-built playground and otherwise pedestrian-friendly benches and chairs. However, many see this as a disturbance – nearby citizens have reportedly said that teens are doing drugs, drinking, and otherwise being rowdy in the area, irritating commuters and creating a mild fear for safety.

“Unfortunately that playground attracts teens doing bad things at night, especially during summer months”, u/StuffinKnows7 of the Jersey City subreddit noted. Others flocked to his comment in agreement, claiming that the younger crowd is infamous for being inappropriate publicly, abusing substances despite being underage, and even being entertained by elders that irresponsibly condone their behavior. This is already a nuisance to the city’s reputation in itself, but the type of attention they attract is the real problem.

Although details are unknown regarding dynamics, relationships, and conflicts that led to Saturday’s event, gunfire was heard around the area shortly before midnight, likely directed at this youthful group of people. Multiple 911 calls were made and help arrived promptly, having been told that one victim was shot to an unknown severity. No such victims were located, and nobody has been reported as harmed or dead – however, detectives were able to find shell casings as confirmation of the shooting and sought to find the individual or group responsible.

The Jersey City police have reported that an investigation into this puzzling situation is ongoing.

While nobody has been reported hurt, there has been damage done to locals mentally and emotionally – nobody had expected such an extreme act to occur in what is typically a tranquil and low-violence area like downtown Jersey City.

“[I] Saw the assailants leave on two mopeds[,] nearly striking my car. 4-5 gunshots, one victim. We were both armed and stayed on scene till JCPD responded literally 7-8 mins after I made the call”, u/dr_bund, another Jersey City subreddit user commented on the only online thread regarding the situation.

“Insane s*** like this is happening in our neighborhoods. This girl taking cover behind my car said she knew the shooter as well.”

Authorities intend to release details as more information is uncovered, but as at press time, the motives behind the shooting remain a mystery.

With the temperature rising and more irresponsible citizens showing face as a result, a senior in the neighborhood that pleaded anonymity, counseled that “those in North Jersey’s urban centers should protect themselves and maneuver streets carefully, especially at night.”