A tragic incident unfolded on Friday evening in Newark, New Jersey, when 9-year-old Yasin Morrison was shot and killed as he was getting out of a car near his grandmother's home. The heart-wrenching details of this shooting have sent shockwaves through the community.
The shooting occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Osborne Terrace, just as Yasin was arriving with his father and younger sister to spend the weekend with his grandmother. According to police reports, Yasin was struck by bullets intended for someone else, as another 36-year-old man was also shot but not related to the boy.
Family members describe Yasin as autistic and non-verbal, sharing his loving nature and fondness for the animated movie Toy Story. His aunt, Markeida, spoke with anguish about the loss, saying, "My niece has to now go without her brother – she saw her brother die." This heartfelt statement captures the immeasurable pain the family is facing after such a senseless act of violence.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka expressed deep outrage over the tragic situation. “It is sickening to me,” he stated, “that anyone would be so deranged to recklessly endanger an innocent child. And the child lost his life—it's just infuriated to me as a father myself. We will not tolerate this reckless and dangerous behavior.” His words reflect not only the loss of Yasin but also the broader frustration the community feels over increasing gun violence.
Currently, the Essex County Sheriff's Crime Stoppers Program is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the individual responsible for the shooting. Local authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist the investigation by calling the Essex County Prosecutor's Office at 877-TIPS-4-EC.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no arrests have been made as investigations continue. The community now hopes to find answers and justice for Yasin’s family during this painful time. A candlelight vigil is anticipated to be organized shortly to honor Yasin Morrison's memory, reflecting the support and solidarity of the community.
Overall, this shooting serves as a grim reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence affecting communities across the nation. The tragedy faced by Yasin's family is not just theirs alone; it resonates through Newark and beyond, compelling conversations about safety, protection of children, and the urgent need for social change.