Newark, NJ – March 8, 2025 – Mayor Ras Baraka spent International Women’s Day engaging with women across Newark, just hours after a devastating shooting left one Newark police officer dead and another in critical condition. The stark contrast between the somber morning and the day’s planned celebrations highlights the complex challenges urban leaders face in balancing community support with responses to public safety crises.
“Today on International Women’s 2025, we marched with power and purpose. The voices were loud, the demands were clear. Freedom. Justice. Dignity for all. When we move together, change follows,” the mayor said.
Early Morning Tragedy Shakes the City
The day began with tragedy in Newark’s North Ward. Around 2:00 AM, two officers responded to a call that quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. Gunfire erupted, leaving one officer fatally wounded at the scene and another critically injured. The surviving officer was rushed to a local hospital, where they remain in intensive care. Authorities apprehended the suspect shortly after the incident, and charges of murder and attempted murder are pending.
Mayor Baraka addressed the shooting in a brief statement, calling it a “heinous, callous disregard for humanity.” He expressed deep condolences to the officers’ families and praised their bravery, noting, “Our hearts are with the families of these brave officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”
A Day of Celebration Amid Mourning
Despite the morning’s events, Mayor Baraka chose to proceed with his scheduled International Women’s Day activities, a decision that sparked mixed reactions. Critics argued that postponing the events would have shown greater respect for the fallen officer, while supporters praised the mayor’s commitment to resilience and community engagement.
The mayor’s day began at the Newark Women’s Shelter, where he joined a roundtable discussion with survivors of domestic violence. He emphasized the city’s dedication to providing resources and support, stating, “Empowering women means ensuring they have a safe place to rebuild their lives.” From there, he attended a luncheon at the Newark Museum of Art, honoring women leaders for their contributions to social justice and economic development.
In his remarks throughout the day, Baraka tied the morning’s tragedy to the broader need for community healing. “Violence like we saw today reminds us why we must keep working together—supporting each other, lifting each other up,” he said.