Six people including a law enforcement officer have been confirmed dead after two gunmen opened fire at a neighborhood in Jersey City
CNN reported a chaotic situation characterised by wailing of sirens and the incessant burst of gunfire.
All the 43 public schools in the area were placed on lock-down in the wake of the shooting, the Washington Post reported.
According to the authorities, the shooting occurred outside a convenience store at around 12:30 p.m local time.
Police officers exchanged fire with the two gunmen and managed to kill them.
The officer who lost his life has not been identified. His death was confirmed by the Hudson County Prosecutor's office.
Governor Philip D. Murphy confirmed the shooting, saying he had been briefed about it.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of the Jersey City Police Department, especially with the officers shot during this standoff, and with the residents and schoolchildren currently under lock-down, " the governor said as quoted by New York Times.
It was not immediately clear what the motive of the gunmen was.
No indication has been given whether or not it was an act of terrorism.
Police investigations are underway to unearth the cause of the attack.