Updated November 1, 2026, 11:33 a.m. ET
A shooting that injured six people in downtown Newark closed roads late Halloween night and the next morning as celebrations were in full swing in the college town.
The shooting happened near East Main Street and Choate Street at 11:13 p.m. on Oct. 31, according to Newark police. In a news release issued around 3:15 a.m., police said six people were shot.
“The shooting occurred on the south sidewalk of East Main Street, directly across from Choate Street,” the early morning police statement said. “Six victims were shot during the incident. All six victims were transported to local hospitals to receive medical treatment.”
Police did not provide the victims’ health conditions.
Police, in an earlier news release, said there “does not appear to be an ongoing threat to public safety.”
East Main Street reopened after being closed for about five hours, police said.
Main Street was closed from Library Avenue to Academy Street while officers investigated, although police slowly began opening portions of the road. Drivers and pedestrians were asked to avoid the area as gunfire blocked traffic while police and emergency personnel responded.
Videos posted on social media showed a chaotic city center with people fleeing frantically, on sidewalks and on the road. Emergency radio broadcasts reflected a massive police and EMS response to the scene, including the response of the Delaware State Police Trooper 4 helicopter.
This is the first shooting in Newark this year, according to a database maintained by Delaware Online/The News Journal.
Police said they will release more information as the investigation continues.
The University of Delaware released a statement alerting students to the shooting and reiterated information shared by Newark police. The university also asked students who live in the area and need help getting home to call UDPD at (302) 831-2222.
Following shooting in downtown Newark
Main Street was quiet around 1:45 a.m. in downtown Newark, shortly before Daylight Saving Time ended at 2 a.m., when clocks moved back an hour at 1 a.m.
Yellow police tape blocked access to Main Street, while officers blocked students and others from passing through. Access was severely restricted to people walking nearby and drivers attempting to travel through the area and deliver food.
A woman whose car was behind police tape was told to “come back tomorrow” by a nearby police officer. Other students could be seen asking police what happened.
Newark’s Mobile Command unit was also set up in the parking lot behind Cameras Etc.
Debris was visible near the entrance to the parking lot between Cameras Etc. and Mango Mango. Two police officers were inside the Head Quarters Smoke Shop, two doors from Mango Mango and across the street from Klondike Kate’s.
There was no shooting at Klondike Kate’s, restaurant says
Klondike Kate’s, a popular downtown restaurant and bar, posted on its Facebook account early Sunday morning, clarifying that the shooting did not take place there or on its property.
“We are aware of the unfortunate incident that occurred this evening in front of Klondike Kate’s and understand the concern and rumors circulating on social media,” the company wrote on Facebook. “We would like to clarify that the incident did not occur inside Klondike Kate’s or on our property. The safety of our guests, employees and the Newark community has always been and will continue to be our highest priority.
“We ask everyone to avoid spreading unverified information and allow local law enforcement to conduct their investigation. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this evening’s incident, and we thank the Newark Police Department and first responders for their efforts.”
Halloween celebrations were in full swing in the city center on Saturday evening. Video posted by the bar showed crowds of people in costumes wrapped around the building waiting to enter earlier in the evening.
How to help
Newark police are asking for the public’s help in their investigation into a shooting. They are looking for photos and videos, which can be submitted at bit.ly/4sDaCqr.
Tips can also be provided to Detective Paige Klein at (302) 366-7100, ext. 20. 3480, or by email at pklein@newark.de.us.
This is breaking news and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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