New Jersey Chick-fil-A Attack Leaves Community Shaken After Violent Outburst

A quiet Saturday night in Union Township, New Jersey, turned into panic after reports said several people were shot inside a Chick-fil-A on Route 22 near Gelb Avenue.

Police said officers responded just after 8:45 p.m. April 11, 2026, and the restaurant was quickly locked down as investigators arrived at the scene.

According to people connected to workers inside the restaurant, a group of masked individuals entered the Chick-fil-A and went behind the counter before reportedly firing several shots.That detail was reported by witnesses and family members, but police have not officially confirmed those accounts.

“When I finished the trip, I go to Chick-fil-A to buy two burgers — I see the police, I heard the shots very close,” a Lyft driver recounted.

The scene was described by witnesses as chaotic. The New York Post reported that officers and employees could be seen inside the restaurant while additional police searched the parking lot and secured the area. ABC7 New York also reported that some workers told family members they were being held inside while police continued their investigation.

The exact number of people injured was not immediately confirmed in early reports. Fox Business said one report from RLS Media claimed at least six people were shot, but police had not confirmed that figure at the time.

CBS said employees were reportedly injured, while authorities continued to avoid releasing firm numbers as the investigation moved forward.

People nearby said the shooting happened quickly and caused panic in the area. One witness told local reporters he heard shots in the area, and a family member of an employee said there may have been an altercation before the gunfire.

Witnesses repeatedly described the situation as "chaotic," saying it was unclear who had been injured or what caused the incident.

The case remains an active police investigation. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office said more information would be released as it became available.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available,” the Union County Prosecutor’s Office said.

And neither Chick-fil-A’s corporate office nor local law enforcement had given a full public explanation by the latest reports. Investigators are still working to learn who the suspects were, how many people were wounded, and what led to the shooting.

Authorities said the situation escalated quickly from a routine evening into an emergency.The restaurant, typically visited by families, was surrounded by police as authorities secured the area. Until officials release more details, many questions remain unanswered. Early reports indicate a sudden act of violence that disrupted the local community.