Newark’s Main Street resembled a war zone late Halloween night after gunfire erupted near Choate Street, leaving six people injured.
The Newark Police Department said the shooting occurred Saturday, October 31, 2026, at approximately 11:13 p.m. on the south sidewalk of East Main Street, directly across from Choate Street. The shooting occurred during a large gathering in the area.
Newark Police have released additional details, saying that a 19-year-old male suffered a gunshot wound to his back and remains hospitalized in serious condition. A 20-year-old male suffered a gunshot wound that caused a collapsed lung and also remains hospitalized in serious condition.
A 21-year-old female suffered a graze wound to her leg. She was treated and released from the hospital.
Two 15-year-old boys were also among the victims. One suffered a gunshot wound to his back and remains hospitalized in critical condition. The second suffered a gunshot wound to his foot and remains hospitalized in serious condition.
First State Update has learned from sources that one of the 15-year-old victims may have suffered paralysis as a result of his injuries. Sources also told FSU that the teenager was transferred to Nemours Children’s Hospital. Officials have not confirmed the reported paralysis or hospital transfer.
The sixth victim, a 16-year-old male from Wilmington, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized in serious condition. Sources tell First State Update that the teenager sustained gunshot wounds to his upper torso and lower extremities.
During the investigation, Newark Police officers located the 16-year-old victim and discovered that he was allegedly in possession of a loaded firearm. Officers recovered the weapon and subsequently obtained an arrest warrant charging the teenager with Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under 21, Carrying a Concealed Deadly Weapon and Breach of Release.
The juvenile was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3, where bail was set at $60,100 cash. He remains hospitalized in Newark Police custody. Police have not released additional identifying information about the teenager. Authorities have not indicated that he was responsible for shooting any of the victims.
The shooting occurred as crowds were celebrating Halloween in the area surrounding the University of Delaware. Following the gunfire, crowds fled the area, and groups of students returned to their dormitories, with some posting on social media that they were safe and remaining inside. Others reportedly contacted their parents in the middle of the night to reassure them that they were unharmed.
Main Street was closed for approximately five hours between South Chapel Street and Haines Street while investigators processed the scene.
Newark Police detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have not released information regarding the person or persons responsible for opening fire or a possible motive.