Community outraged after 9-year-old boy is shot dead in Newark

In Newark, New Jersey, a tragic incident occurred on Friday evening when a 9-year-old boy, Yasin Morrison, was fatally shot while getting out of a car. This distressing situation unfolded around 5:30 p.m. on Osborne Terrace near Yates Avenue. The young boy was with his father and younger sister when he became an innocent victim, struck by a bullet in an incident which also injured another man who remains in an unknown condition. Authorities have confirmed that the shooting appears to involve crossfire, and neither Yasin's family nor the man who was shot are believed to have been involved in any wrongdoing. The shot that tragically took Yasin's life also grazed his father as he attempted to shield his children during the shooting. The family's excitement turned to devastation in a split second as they were anticipating Yasin's regular weekend visit with his grandparents. The community is reeling from this heart-wrenching loss, prompting outcries for justice and safety following the reckless violence that led to this young boy's death. Mayor Ras Baraka has condemned the act, declaring the behavior that endangered Yasin's life to be incomprehensible and pledging that law enforcement will pursue the shooter relentlessly. As authorities continue their investigation, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the shooting is still unclear. The Essex County sheriff's office has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, hoping to gather details from anyone who might have witnessed the tragic event. This incident has raised significant concerns about safety in Newark, where gun violence has long been an issue, and the community is coming together to demand accountability. In the wake of this tragic loss, Yasin’s family is mourning deeply and has expressed a desperate need for answers to the painful question of who and why this happened. They have organized memorials to honor Yasin's memory, emphasizing the joyous nature of the boy, who was known to be nonverbal due to autism but had a loving and communicative spirit. As tributes continue to grow outside his grandparents' home, the community anticipates that justice will prevail in memory of a child who should have had a long and promising life ahead.