Victim Identified in Fatal Chick-Fil-A Shooting in New Jersey

NJ Officials Confirm Identity of Chick-Fil-A Shooting Victim

The victim of a mass shooting at a Union Township Chick-fil-A has been identified by the authorities.

The man who was shot and killed on Saturday night at the fast-food restaurant on Route 22 was identified as Malek Shepherd, 23, of New York City.

The Union County Prosecutor's Office claims that Shepherd was a patron at Chick-fil-A at the time of the incident.

When Union Township Police arrived to the fast food business on Route 22 at around nine o'clock on Saturday, they discovered seven people, one of whom had been declared deceased, according to the authorities.

At the restaurant, police discovered seven victims. At the scene, Shepherd was declared deceased. The injuries sustained by the remaining six victims were not life-threatening.

"The terrible act of violence that took place [Saturday] night at a nearby Chick-fil-A has devastated and rocked our neighborhood. Union Township Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier stated, "What should have been an average evening has left families weeping, individuals injured, and our entire Township in shock."

The New York Post posted a dashcam video of a masked shooter fleeing the eatery.

Anyone who provides a tip that results in an indictment and conviction is also eligible for a reward from Union County Crime Stoppers of up to $10,000.Governor Mikie Sherill stated on Sunday, "We are hope for the full recovery of those who were injured, and our hearts go out to the victim's loved ones."

According to the Union County Prosecutor's Office (UCPO), the shooting was not an isolated incident.

As of Monday, the Chick-fil-A located at 2319 Route 22 in Union is still "temporarily closed."

Citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry, Chick-fil-A declined to comment on the shooting.

Anyone with information come forward and assist the authorities.

If you have any information, please call Union Police Department Detective Teon Freeman at 908-851-5033, Sergeant Jennifer Smith at 908-759-8254, or UCPO Homicide Task Force Detective Edward Mack at 908-347-2212.

Additionally, tips can be anonymously made online at uctip.org or over the phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477).