On the evening of Saturday, April 11, 2026, masked gunmen entered the Chick-fil-A on Route 22 in Union, New Jersey, advanced behind the counter and opened fire. Seven people were struck; 23-year-old Malek Shepherd of New York City, a customer, was pronounced dead at the scene. Six other victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to local hospitals.

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force, assisted by the Union Police Department, is leading the investigation. Authorities say the attack appears targeted, not random, and have suggested a possible connection to drugs or gangs. Surveillance footage reportedly shows an armed individual fleeing the scene. No arrests have been announced; a reward of up to $10,000 has been offered for tips that lead to an indictment and conviction.

A small memorial of a wooden cross and flowers has been placed outside the temporarily closed restaurant. If anyone was at the Chick-fil-A that evening or saw suspicious activity around 9 p.m., please share what was seen with investigators.