Fatal Chick-Fil-A Shooting Victim ID'd In NJ

UNION, NJ — Authorities have identified the person gunned down and killed in a mass shooting at a Chick-fil-A in Union Township.

Malek Shepherd, 23, of New York City, was identified as the person fatally shot on Saturday night at the fast-food restaurant on Route 22.

Shepherd was reportedly a customer at Chick-fil-A at the time of the shooting, according to the Union County Prosecutor's Office.

Around 9 p.m. on Saturday, Union Township Police went to the fast food restaurant on Route 22 and found seven victims, one of whom was pronounced dead, authorities said.

Police found seven victims at the restaurant. Shepherd was pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining six victims suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.

"Our community is heartbroken and shaken by the tragic act of violence that occurred [Saturday] night at a local Chick-fil-A. What should have been an ordinary evening has left families grieving, individuals injured, and our entire Township in shock," said Union Township Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier.

A dashcam video, shared by the New York Post, shows a masked gunman running away from the restaurant.

"I got an unconscious witness. I've got one shot in the face ... and I have at least two in the leg," a 911 dispatcher says in audio obtained by CBS News New York.

A reward of up to $10,000 from the Union County Crime Stoppers is also being offered to anyone who provides a tip that leads to an indictment and conviction.

"Our hearts go out to the victim’s loved ones, and we are hoping for the full recovery of those who were injured," said Governor Mikie Sherill on Sunday.

The Union County Prosecutor’s Office(UCPO) has said that the shooting was not a random act.

"While no arrests have been made at this time, the preliminary investigation reveals this does not appear to be a random act of violence and that there is no immediate ongoing threat to the general public," according to UCPO.

The Chick-fil-A at 2319 Route 22 in Union remains "temporarily closed" as of Monday.

Chick-fil-A declined to comment on the shooting, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Guerra-Frazier said Union Township is working closely with the UCPO as they investigate.

She also urged anyone with information to come forward and help authorities.

"This tragedy is a painful reminder of the work that remains to ensure the safety of our communities. Violence has no place in the Township of Union, and we will continue to stand together— stronger and more united — in the face of it," said Guerra-Frazier.

Anyone with information is asked to contact UCPO Homicide Task Force Detective Edward Mack at 908-347-2212, Sergeant Jennifer Smith at 908-759-8254, or Union Police Department Detective Teon Freeman at 908-851-5033.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously by phone at 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at uctip.org.

"New Jersey stands with the Union Township community," said Sherrill.