Teen faces weapons charges after Halloween shooting near UD campus

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NEWARK, DEL. – Six people were shot late on Halloween night in an alley just steps from the University of Delaware campus.

What we know:

The shooting occurred at 11:13 p.m. Saturday during a large gathering on East Main Street, prompting crowds of young people to flee nearby bars and restaurants, according to Newark police. All six victims were transported to a local hospital.

According to police, the victims were aged 15 to 21:

• A 15-year-old man, shot in the back, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
• A 15-year-old boy who was shot in the foot remains hospitalized in serious condition.
• A 16-year-old Wilmington man who suffered multiple gunshot wounds remains hospitalized in serious condition.
• A 19-year-old man who was shot in the back remains hospitalized in serious condition.
• A 20-year-old man who suffered a gunshot wound resulting in a collapsed lung remains hospitalized in serious condition.
• A 21-year-old woman who suffered an abrasion to her leg was treated and released.

Dig Deeper:

A bystander told FOX 29 he took off his shirt to put pressure on a young victim’s stomach wound, holding the teen’s hand to keep him awake until first responders arrived.

“It’s very, very, very upsetting,” he said. “I’ve seen deaths before, but this one hit me even harder, simply because, like this child, he is very, very young. He’s not even an adult yet and he has to suffer for it.”

During the investigation, officers located the 16-year-old victim and found him in possession of a loaded firearm. He was charged with possession of a firearm by a person under 21, carrying a concealed deadly weapon and violating release rules, according to authorities.

Following an arraignment, he was given a $60,100 cash bond and remains hospitalized in Newark police custody as of Sunday evening. Due to his age, police will not release additional identifying details.

Classes suspended

In response to the incident, the University of Delaware announced that all classes, both in-person and virtual, would be suspended on Monday, November 2, to allow students, faculty and staff to rest and process the incident. With the campus already closed Tuesday for Election Day, classes are expected to resume on Wednesday, November 4.

University officials noted the closure was not due to an ongoing safety issue, saying Newark police indicated there was no active threat to the community. Dining, operations and support services on campus remain open, including walk-in counseling in Warner Hall on Monday and 24/7 access through TimelyCare.

University and governor respond

What they say:

Amid the rumors circulating, local establishment Klondike Kate’s released a statement clarifying that the violence did not take place inside the restaurant or on its property.

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer issued a statement regarding the shooting in Newark alongside a separate shooting on Halloween night in Ellendale, Delaware, condemning both incidents.

“No family should have to receive the call that a loved one has been shot. Today, the people of Newark and Ellendale are facing pain and fear that no one should have to endure,” Meyer said. “This is not normal. We must never accept gun violence as a part of life in Delaware.”

Meyer also thanked first responders and confirmed that Delaware State Police are coordinating the investigation with the Newark Police Department.

University leadership addressed the campus community in a message from President Laura A. Carlson, Interim Vice President Bill Farquhar, and Ellen Herbst, executive vice president for Finance and Administration, acknowledging the collective emotional toll:

“As we navigate the days following the campus shooting, we recognize that we are all affected,” the message read. “We know it’s important to come together as a community and support each other, which is why we made the decision to keep campus open.”

What we don’t know:

Although a 16-year-old victim has been charged with weapons offenses and taken into custody, the broader investigation into the shooting remains active.

What you can do:

Police are urging anyone with surveillance footage, photos or information about the incident to contact them immediately.