Newark HS Basketball Players Assault School Employee: Police

NEWARK, NJ — A group of high school athletes from Newark allegedly assaulted a school employee after returning from a basketball game in Livingston Tuesday night, authorities said.

Newark police responded to Malcolm X. Shabazz High School around 9 p.m. after receiving a call about an assault, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.

An administrator showed the officers a social media post of a school employee being assaulted by members of the Malcolm X. Shabazz High School basketball team outside the school. Police observed four team members assaulting the victim after they exited a bus upon returning from a basketball game in Livingston, authorities said.

The victim declined medical attention, police said.

Mayor Ras Baraka said he spoke to the superintendent, principal, coaches and team about the incident.

“The actions of these students will not be tolerated and they don’t represent the majority of the school,” Baraka said. “The school and team have many great kids, who go on to college and do great things, and we’re proud of them. We support the superintendent and principal and will do whatever we can to make the rest of the year successful.”

Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said detectives are investigating the incident to “identify and to appropriately charge” any persons involved in the assault.

“Because high school students are typically juveniles, the names of the suspects will not be released,” Ambrose said. “But those found to have participated in this senseless act of violence will face criminal charges.”

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