Gunfire at Elizabeth vigil leaves five hurt

Elizabeth, N.J. residents gathered near Elmwood Place and Irvington Avenue on Monday to honor a young man killed seven years ago to the day. The vigil turned tragic around 9:30 p.m. when gunfire erupted near the group. One person died and four others were injured.

Witnesses described a vehicle approaching from the direction of Union Avenue and Elmwood Place. As the car moved down Elmwood Place, occupants fired dozens of rounds. The vehicle then turned onto Irvington Avenue. It struck multiple victims before fleeing the scene. Bullet holes were visible in several parked cars nearby.

Jamile Robbins was fatally shot in this same area in 2019. The vigil marked the seven-year anniversary of his death. Family members said the ceremony ended about an hour before the shooting. Many children and older relatives had already gone inside when the gunfire started. All five victims were young adults in their late teens or early 20s. The youngest was 18 years old.

Relatives identified two of the victims as cousins of Robbins. The other three were close friends. One family friend spoke to reporters about the emotional toll on the survivors. "The one that got shot in the shoulder, he's a very close friend, and it hurts a lot," the friend said. "His friend is in the hospital also fighting for his life. One got killed right there. So it's a lot on him. It's just hard keeping him together because he is so angry at himself also because his friend said his last words in front of him."

The Union County Prosecutor's Office is investigating the incident. Authorities have not released the name of the person killed. They have not announced any arrests. The investigation is ongoing. The five victims were taken to hospitals for treatment.

The scene remained active through the night. Neighbors and relatives stood near the intersection. Lights from emergency vehicles illuminated the street. The intersection of Elmwood Place and Irvington Avenue is a busy corridor in Elizabeth. The vigil had drawn a large crowd of friends and family to the block.

Police continue to review video footage from the area. They are also interviewing witnesses who were present during the vigil. No suspect has been taken into custody as of Monday night. The case remains open.