6 Shot on Main Street Near University of Delaware on Halloween

Six Shot on Main Street as Halloween Celebrations Turn Chaotic in Newark

At least six people sustained gunshot wounds along a crowded stretch of Main Street in Newark, Delaware, on Halloween night, sending partygoers scrambling for cover as police rushed to secure the area. The shooting occurred on the sidewalk just after 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, directly across from Choate Street and near the University of Delaware campus. All six victims were transported to area hospitals for medical treatment, though local authorities have not yet released details regarding their current conditions.

University Issues Emergency Alert After Gunfire

The University of Delaware issued an emergency alert at 11:29 p.m., notifying students and local residents of the ongoing incident and directing everyone to steer clear of the vicinity. According to the university’s emergency notifications published online, the Newark Police Department responded to the intersection of East Main Street and Choate Street following reports of gunfire at approximately 11:13 p.m.

Main Street was subsequently closed off from Library Avenue through Academy Street while police personnel investigated the scene. In official statements, Newark police indicated that they did not believe that there was an ongoing threat to the public after the incident. Roadways began reopening at approximately 3 a.m. Sunday as investigators concluded their initial fieldwork.

Witness Accounts of Panic on Main Street

Witnesses reported that the thoroughfare was packed with college students and local residents celebrating Halloween when the gunfire broke out. The sudden noise initially caused confusion among the crowd before immediate panic set in.

People were running, screaming. They had helicopters in the sky flashing lights on people. The people were speeding down the road. It got chaotic like quick, said witness Jayden Ngalim.

Another witness, Nathaniel Davila, recounted hearing sharp sounds that were initially mistaken for vehicle backfires. I was right there on the corner and all we hear is like sharp pops. People, we’re thinking at first it’s the cars and then everyone starts running, Davila told reporters.

Police Report No Arrests or Motive

As of Sunday morning, Newark police have not announced any arrests, taken any suspects into custody, or disclosed a potential motive behind the shooting. Video footage circulated widely on social media showed dense crowds fleeing down Main Street amid a heavy emergency response.

This episode follows an off-campus shooting that occurred weeks prior during Delaware State University’s homecoming weekend in Dover, which left a 22-year-old man dead and a 21-year-old man injured. In that case, the Dover Police Department subsequently arrested two male suspects in connection with the parking lot shooting at the Dover Commons shopping center.

University officials have advised students who reside within the cordoned-off zone and require assistance reaching their residences to contact the University of Delaware Police Department directly at 302-831-2222 as updates become available.