An eyewitness says the liquid hissed as it hit the pavement, the smell of burning skin filling the air when a bottle of acid splashed onto a sidewalk in Jersey City’s Journal Square district at 2:15 a.m. on Tuesday.
Five women – ages 22 to 41 – suffered burns ranging from first‑degree to severe second‑degree. All were taken to Hoboken University Medical Center; three remain in intensive care.
Jersey City Police announced they are searching for multiple suspects, but no arrests have been made.
What happened and who is involved?
The attack occurred near the intersection of Montgomery and Jackson Streets, a busy transit hub. According to the police blotter, the assailant(s) approached the group, shouted something inaudible, and hurled a clear bottle containing a corrosive substance.
Detective Lieutenant Michael Caruso of the NJ State Police, who coordinated the joint response, said investigators recovered a shattered bottle, CCTV footage from two nearby businesses, and a partial DNA sample from the residue.
No name or description of a suspect has been released. Police have asked anyone who saw a person with a dark hoodie and a backpack leaving the scene to call 311.
Why does this matter?
An acid attack is a rare, terror‑inducing weapon that can cause permanent disfigurement. The incident revives concerns about a spike in hate‑motivated or gang‑related violence in the metropolitan corridor stretching from Newark to Manhattan.
Community leaders fear the attack could deepen mistrust among immigrant neighborhoods that already feel targeted by law‑enforcement sweeps. “When violence is weaponized with chemicals, it sends a message that ordinary safety is gone,” said a local activist who asked to remain anonymous.
Health officials warn that acid burns require long‑term treatment, costly surgeries, and psychological care. The city’s health department estimates each severe case could cost upwards of $150,000 in medical expenses.
What’s the police response?
The department deployed a special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team, partnered with the FBI’s Violent Crime Unit, and launched a citywide alert through the RapidSOS platform.
Neighborhood canvassing has yielded over 30 tips, but none have identified a clear suspect. Detectives are reviewing cellphone pings near the time of the attack and have asked the public to preserve any video taken that night.
Authorities also warned residents to avoid handling any unknown liquids and to report suspicious behavior immediately.
What happens next?
Police expect to release more details within the next 48 hours as forensic analysis of the acid composition proceeds. The city council is set to vote on a “Violence Prevention Fund” that would allocate $2 million for community outreach and rapid‑response medical kits.
Meanwhile, the victims’ families are organizing a candlelight vigil on Thursday, demanding justice and tighter controls on the sale of corrosive chemicals.
Follow our live blog for updates as the investigation unfolds.