INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Six people, including a police officer, have been killed in a shootout in New Jersey.Detective Joe Seals was investigating a murder in
Jersey City when he approached two suspects, one of whom opened fire and shot him in the head, police sources told NBC News.The two suspects
then fled in a rental van and were holed up in a grocery store where a fierce gun battle broke out, according to reports.Image:Jersey City
Detective Joe Seals had been tasked with getting illegal guns off the streets Pic: Laura Seals/ FacebookJersey City Police Chief Michael
Kelly said the shootings started at a cemetery where the officer was gunned down, and continued at a kosher supermarket where five more
bodies were found.Both suspects and three civilians were killed, according to authorities."Our officers were under fire for hours," Mr Kelly
told a news conference.He would not say exactly what set off the shooting but that he believes the officer who was killed was trying to stop
some "bad guys".Image:SWAT teams, state police and federal agents responded to the incidentJersey City Mayor Steven Fulop paid tribute to
Detective Seals, a married father-of-five."He was a great cop," the mayor said."He probably is responsible for more guns being removed from
the streets than any."He was an officer that loved JC, was involved in the city, and one that everyone knew regardless of their
precinct.Image:Officers arrive at the scene"Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's family during this Christmas season and beyond."We take
for granted sometimes the selfless work a police officer does when they wear that uniform."In the end they are people that volunteered to
keep everyone else safe regardless of the circumstance."A second officer was wounded after being struck in the shoulder by gunfire, and two
others were injured by shrapnel, Mr Fulop said.Image:A person is treated after the shootingSWAT teams, state police and federal agents
responded to the incident, with officers blocking off an area which included a school, the kosher supermarket and a hair salon.All schools
in Jersey City were put on lockdown.Authorities have said the incident is not believed to be a terror attack.Image:Officers blocked off an
area which includes a school, a kosher supermarket and a hair stylistUS President Donald Trump tweeted: "Just received a briefing on the
horrific shootout that took place in Jersey City, NJ."Our thoughts - prayers are [with] the victims - their families during this very
difficult - tragic time."We will continue to monitor the situation as we assist local - state officials on the ground."
