By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a 36-year-old man in East Orange on Tuesday afternoon.
According to a statement from Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and East Orange Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd, police were called around 12:40 p.m. on October 28, 2025, to the area of 252–256 North Clinton Street after reports of a man lying in the street with a possible gunshot wound.
When officers arrived, they found Hamza Abdul-Haqq, 36, of East Orange, suffering from a gunshot injury to the chest and back.
Officers provided aid until EMS arrived.
He was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 1:06 p.m.
Witnesses reported that Haqq may have engaged in a physical confrontation where he squared off with an unidentified person and bested the individual.
That suspect reportedly is being sought by police for his involvement in the violent shooting after the fight along with one other person
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force is leading the investigation, which remains active and ongoing. 
Officials have not released further details at this time.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC.