A fatal shooting occurred at the Ramada Inn in Fairfield, New Jersey, on Friday afternoon, leaving one person dead and another seriously injured. The incident took place at approximately 12:30 p.m., sparking a significant law enforcement response led by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force.
The victim who was fatally shot has been identified as Mohammad Sahariar Islam. Islam, along with another individual who sustained injuries, were both employees of the Ramada Inn, according to initial reports. The identity of the injured victim has not been disclosed at this time, but they were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. Their condition remains unknown.
While the exact details leading up to the tragic event are unclear, eyewitness accounts suggest that there was a commotion inside the hotel before gunshots were heard. Some guests reported hearing yelling, although the precise location and cause of the altercation have not been confirmed by authorities.
The gunman responsible for the shooting fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. Local police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office have launched an active manhunt, following leads to apprehend the individual responsible. However, no arrests have been made as of now. Despite the suspect being on the run, authorities have reassured the community that there is no ongoing threat. Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna has been in communication with the public, affirming that this is likely an isolated incident. The police department, which is already familiar with the hotel due to previous incidents, responded promptly, cordoning off the area and securing the safety of the remaining guests and staff.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the hotel was placed on lockdown, preventing guests from accessing their rooms as investigators combed through the property for evidence. The hotel remains closed to visitors while forensic teams continue their work. This has raised concerns among local residents, as the Ramada Inn is situated near Route 80, a busy and well-known highway in the area. A resident who wished to remain anonymous expressed anxiety over the event, saying that while Fairfield is generally a quiet town, the proximity of major roadways like Route 80 has occasionally brought unwanted attention to the hotel. “We’ve seen police here before, but never anything this serious,” they remarked. “It’s scary to think something like this could happen so close to home.”
Despite these concerns, the local community has largely praised the Fairfield Police Department for their swift response. One resident said, “They were on the scene almost immediately, and it’s clear they’re doing everything they can to catch the shooter.” The incident has reignited discussions about safety protocols in hotels and other public spaces, especially in areas with high traffic and accessibility from major highways.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. While many details surrounding the shooting remain unclear—such as the relationship between the victims and the gunman—authorities are focused on piecing together the sequence of events that led to the tragic outcome. Officials have yet to release any information regarding a possible motive, but local law enforcement, alongside the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, are continuing to explore all angles.
This shooting adds to the growing list of incidents in public spaces that have prompted concerns about gun violence in the United States. In New Jersey, recent statistics show a rise in firearm-related crimes, although authorities are working tirelessly to address these issues through enhanced police presence and public safety measures.
The Fairfield community, while shaken, remains hopeful that justice will be served swiftly. Authorities have promised to keep the public informed as new details emerge in this ongoing investigation.