By: Richard L. Smith
Police in Essex County are on the search and actively investigating the motive for a shooting that has an East Orange ‘Man of God’ fighting for his life at an Essex County Hospital.
In the violent incident, the pastor from East Orange, Mr. Timothy Huff, was found shot in the chest in a Newark neighborhood Thursday morning.
Family members confirmed to RLS Media that Pastor Huff, known for his role as a spiritual leader and community bonder, was the shooting victim.
The Newark Police Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, aiming to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities say Pastor Huff was swiftly transported to University Hospital, where he underwent two critical surgeries to address the bullet wounds to his chest.
While law enforcement continues its probe, family members emphasize that they do not believe this was a targeted attack on the pastor.
Pastor Huff resided in the neighborhood where he was shot.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. in Newark's Central Ward, triggering the activation of a ShotSpotter device in the vicinity of 45 4th Street.
This automated system led police to the scene promptly.
Upon their arrival, law enforcement officers discovered a wounded man who was fully conscious and alert despite the severity of his injuries.
Pastor Huff was rushed to University Hospital for immediate medical attention.
Officers found several shell casings at the scene in their search for potential additional victims, though no other injuries were reported.
Pastor Huff's congregation and the community remain stunned by the unfortunate event, rallying behind praying and rallying behind the man of God's recovery and supporting the ongoing efforts of the Newark Police Department to bring clarity to this incident.
If you have any information on who injured Pastor Huff, please call 973-733-6000.
No arrests have been reported.