Jersey City, New Jersey — Authorities are investigating a disturbing acid attack that left six people hospitalized after a corrosive substance believed to be sulfuric acid was thrown at a group of women and teenage girls in Jersey City.
Police say the violent incident occurred Monday evening and appears to have been targeted, stemming from an earlier dispute involving a larger group.
The attack has shocked residents and prompted a continuing search for a second suspect.
Six Victims Suffer Burns After Suspected Acid Attack
According to the Jersey City Police Department, the incident happened shortly after 7 p.m. on June 15.
Investigators said two suspects allegedly approached a group consisting of three women and three female teenagers before throwing what authorities believe was sulfuric acid at them.
The chemical immediately caused painful injuries.
Witnesses described hearing screams moments after the substance was thrown.
“I heard fighting, and then after a couple of minutes of fighting, I heard one of the girls screaming, saying, ‘It burns! It burns!’” resident Amelia Sanchez told local media.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and transported all six victims to local hospitals for treatment. Police said the victims suffered burns and skin injuries consistent with exposure to a corrosive substance.
One Victim Treated for Serious Burns
Authorities reported that a 21-year-old woman sustained some of the most serious injuries. She was transferred to the Saint Barnabas Burn Unit for specialized treatment after suffering second-degree burns to her face and scalp.
Despite the severity of the attack, officials said all six victims are currently in stable condition.
The injuries have raised concerns among community members, many of whom expressed disbelief that such an attack could occur in a residential neighborhood.
One nearby resident described the scene as emergency crews arrived.
“I saw the girls come out of the house; they had towels on their face and stuff like that, and they went immediately into the ambulance,” the neighbor said.
The resident also questioned how the suspects obtained the chemical used in the assault.
“How do you get ahold of acid to even throw it on someone like that? That’s what’s baffling me.”
Juvenile Arrested, Second Suspect Still Sought
Police confirmed that one juvenile suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the attack. Because the suspect is a minor, authorities have not released identifying information.
Investigators believe the assault was not random and was connected to an earlier conflict involving a larger group of individuals. A second suspect remains at large, and law enforcement officials are actively working to locate that person.
Police have not yet announced the specific charges the juvenile suspect may face, but officials indicated that charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Community Leaders Condemn the Violence
The incident has drawn strong reactions from local leaders. Jersey City Mayor James Solomon publicly condemned the attack and expressed support for the victims and their families.
“I want our communities to know that violence like this has absolutely no place on our streets,” Solomon said.
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The mayor described the incident as horrific and emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
As investigators continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses, authorities are urging anyone with information about the attack or the second suspect to come forward.
Investigation Remains Active
Police have not yet confirmed where the suspected sulfuric acid originated or how it was obtained.
Investigators are also working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the assault and whether additional individuals were involved.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims as they recover and identifying everyone responsible for the attack. Authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should penalties for acid attacks be strengthened given the potentially life-altering injuries they can cause? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
