Newark mass shooting: Interfaith leaders call for end to violence after deadly weekend
Religious leaders at an interfaith service in Newark on Tuesday morning called for an end to violence in the city after five people were shot over the weekend and two were killed.
The victims killed in the shooting Saturday were identified as 21-year-old Kiyah Mae Scott, a mother to a 3-year-old child, and 10-year-old Jordan Garcia.
As the public awaits word on possible arrests, many officials from Essex County and the City of Newark gathered to call for peace and non-violence.
The annual gathering of law enforcement and emergency responders comes at a time when the city is reeling from the weekend mass shooting.
The shooting has shocked the community and has led to multiple events where residents are calling for an end to senseless violence.
The head of Newark schools asked everyone in the interfaith service to pray for the school and the students. He said there is zero tolerance for violence of any kind.
"The heartbreak felt across the Newark Public Schools community and throughout the city of Newark because of the senseless shooting Saturday evening cannot be expressed in words, we mourn the loss of one of our students, a woman who was killed, and we continue to pray for the recovery of those who were wounded which includes another one of my students," said Superintendent Roger Leon.
Leon said counselors have been available for students and faculty to help them cope with the shooting.
Garcia's older brother was also injured, along with two others. There are reports they are all improving.
Later Tuesday afternoon, family and friends are gathering for a balloon release in Garcia's memory.
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