Six people, including three teenagers, have been left injured after an acid attack on a group in Jersey City, New Jersey. Eyewitness accounts suggest that two individuals riding a moped drove past their target and hurled the corrosive substance from the vehicle, leaving five people initially injured before a sixth victim was identified.
A 21-year-old woman required transfer to a specialist burn unit for treatment of second-degree burns to her face and scalp. The five other victims are reported to be in stable condition following the assault. According to police, the substance used is believed to be sulphuric acid, a highly corrosive material capable of causing severe chemical burns.
Police investigations suggest that the attack “appears to be targeted” and follows an earlier altercation, implying that a pre-existing dispute may have led to the violent encounter. Preliminary information released by authorities indicates that five women were outside a residential address on Wilkinson Avenue when the substance was thrown. One minor has been arrested in connection with the incident, with charges pending as the investigation progresses.
Jersey City Mayor James Solomon condemned the attack, stating that such violence has “absolutely no place on our streets.” He pledged to dedicate full resources from the Jersey City Police Department (JCPD) to the investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. The use of a moped in this manner mirrors tactics seen in other types of street crime, allowing for quick approach and escape.
The attack highlights concerns about acid attacks, which can have life-altering consequences for victims. Psychological trauma and physical injuries often accompany such incidents, underscoring the need for swift action to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent future assaults.