NEWARK, N.J. — The community of Newark is reeling after the tragic shooting death of 9-year-old Yasin Morrison, who was caught in crossfire just moments after stepping out of his father's vehicle, set to visit his grandparents on Friday afternoon.
Yasin was struck around 5:30 p.m. in the city's South Ward as he exited the car with his father and 3-year-old sister, just outside their grandparents' residence at 174 Osborne Terrace. His father attempted to shield both children from the barrage of bullets but tragically couldn't save his son.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Yasin was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at University Hospital. The incident is still under investigation, and authorities are actively searching for the shooter. The office has not yet determined whether the shooting was accidental. No arrests have been made, and Yasin's family and the community are left demanding justice.
During his heartbreaking statement, Yasin's father expressed his deep sorrow on social media: "I miss my boy. I wanna hold him. My last memory is watching him fight for his life until he took his last breath. He ain’t deserve this." These words encapsulate the sorrow and frustration felt by many family members and community members.
Yasin’s grandmother, Tisha Bolden, conveyed the utter devastation felt by the family, stating, “You took a life. You took a special life—a sweet boy who can never be replaced.” The anguish reverberates not just among family but across the community, as grief-stricken parents now glance over their shoulders, fearing for their own children.
At the heart of Newark’s gun violence crisis, Yasin’s story stands as yet another example of the urgent need for change. Gun violence has become more than just crime; it has transformed the city’s public health narrative, as residents live with the trauma and fear of violence. Experts, including Dr. Yusef Ismail, assert this is indicative of failed leadership; mere press statements have not spurred meaningful change or solutions.
Community leaders, including Newark’s Mayor Ras Baraka, have spoken out against the senseless violence. Baraka condemned the shooting, calling it “sickening,” and ardently urged the perpetrator to turn themselves in, reminding them, “We are not going to rest until we find you.” Despite the condemnation, many community members question how long they must wait for answers and justice.
“Imagine just seeing your brother die,” said Yasin’s aunt, Markeida, her words reflecting the deep emotional scars left on Yasin’s younger sister, who witnessed the horrifying event and is now left grappling with incomprehensible loss. “She told her mother last night, ‘My brother Yasin is dead.’ How heartbroken is she?”
On Saturday, the community gathered to honor Yasin with a balloon release ceremony, symbolizing their grief and love for the young boy who should have been celebrating his life instead of mourning it. Yasin, described by family as full of joy, playful, and bright, had autism and was non-verbal but found happiness in moments as simple as hugs and being near family.
There is widespread outrage stemming from Yasin's murder, not only for the boy's untimely exit but for the broader issue of how Newark handles gun violence. Families plead for the identification and prosecution of the shooters and demand accountability from the city’s leadership. Philip Morrison, Yasin’s grandfather, expressed his desperate need for clarity, stating, “I need to know who, what, why. I’m just lost. I’m just totally crushed.”
Consequently, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office has offered up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the shooting. The urgency of these measures reflects the shared commitment among families and civic leaders to not allow this tragedy to fade away without action.
Although Newark Mayor Baraka expresses concern, there’s still sentiment among residents questioning his ability to protect children when violent crime affects their communities so egregiously. "How can he talk about progress when families are still waiting for answers?" echoes through the city, leaving many demanding systemic reform.
This calls not only for immediate action concerning Yasin’s case but for broader investments toward mental health resources, ensuring trauma-informed care is accessible for victims and witnesses of violence. Studies suggest Newark youth are acquiring PTSD at alarming rates, with emotional ramifications extending well beyond those who were directly harmed.
Gun violence is not merely about the shooters and the deceased; it is about the countless children left traumatized and families left to grieve. Newark’s children deserve the safety to play outside and dream of their futures without the multifaceted fear of violence hanging over their heads.
Yasin Morrison should be alive today. The echoes of his laughter should fill the air, but there is silence and sorrow instead. The community mourns not just for Yasin but for the numerous lives impacted by Newark’s gun violence, stressing the need for change. This tragedy, like many before it, implores the city to act decisively to secure the safety and future of its children before another innocent life is lost.