Family says masked plainclothes Newark, N.J. officers fired at car pulling away, killing man

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NEWARK, N.J. — A Newark family is demanding answers after police fatally shot 43‑year‑old Wali Bey during an encounter Monday afternoon near Ross Street and Evergreen Avenue. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office says the investigation remains active as tensions rise across the city.

Wali Bey’s Family Says Officers Approached in Plain Clothes

Relatives say Bey sat inside a white minivan with several others when undercover officers approached. They told FOX 5 the officers wore plain clothes and masks and arrived in unmarked vehicles. The family says the group inside the minivan did not realize the men were police.

As the vehicle began to pull away, an officer opened fire and struck Bey through the windshield, relatives allege. Bey later died at University Hospital. He leaves behind two children, ages 18 and 2.

Newark Police Shooting: State Officials Describe a Different Sequence

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the shooting happened shortly after 1 p.m. Officers encountered several civilians in the area when one officer fired his weapon, striking two people. Both victims went to a nearby hospital, and one later died. The second victim remains hospitalized.

No officers were injured. State law requires the Attorney General’s Office to investigate all fatal police encounters. Officials say the case will go before a grand jury to determine whether charges are warranted.

City Leaders Urge Patience as Protests Grow

Protests formed soon after the shooting, drawing residents who demanded transparency. Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda released a joint statement urging calm.

“A stream of misinformation has been circulating regarding details of the incident,” the statement said. “We understand that many in our community are hurting and need factual answers. We ask our residents to trust the process and understand that the Attorney General’s Office is conducting an impartial and independent investigation.”

A funeral for Bey was held Thursday, Jan. 22.

Newark Police Shooting : Witnesses Describe Chaos at the Scene

Family members say the officers’ appearance and approach created confusion. They insist no one in the minivan understood they were interacting with police. Witnesses told FOX 5 that the officers moved in quickly and gave little time for anyone to react.

On Monday night, about 75 people gathered for a candlelight vigil. They released balloons, shared memories, and called for accountability.

Officials Decline to Address Family’s Claims

Police officials have not commented on the family’s account, citing the ongoing investigation. The Attorney General’s Office says it has no additional updates but expects to release more information soon.

Meanwhile, the family and community continues to seek justice.