NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Yet another life has been claimed by gun violence in New Brunswick, at least the fourth this year.  A 21-year-old female died today from gunshot wounds, and another victim remains hospitalized in critical condition this afternoon.

According to a report in the Home News Tribune, city activist Tormel Pittman said the 21-year-old woman was the mother of a two-year-old child.

Pittman also told the HNT’s Bob Makin that his cousin Raheem Fuqua, the father of a young son, was critically injured in the shooting.

The commotion began shortly after 2am this morning in front of a hall known as the “Progressive Lodge,” home to the #17  Free & Accepted Masons and an unofficial epicenter of the city’s black community.  Sources say there was a party there last night.

Police cars took over the block of Hale Street between Remsen and Lee Avenues after the shooting was reported, and began conducting an investigation.

“Shut that street down!  Don’t let anyone in or out, shut that street down!” yelled an officer over his police radio.

CPR was performed on at least one of the victims and at least one shell casing was found in the area.

“Both of these victims are shot in the upper torso, please be advised,” said another officer waiting for ambulances to approach the crime scene.

We’ll keep you posted on this story as it develops.

Editor at New Brunswick Today | 732-993-9697 | editor@newbrunswicktoday.com | Website

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.