Five NJ Women Suffer Severe Acid Burns in Suspected Moped Attack

Five women hospitalized with severe burns after suspected acid attack in Jersey City

Five women suffered severe chemical burns after a suspected acid attack in Jersey City, New Jersey, on June 16, 2026, according to local law enforcement and medical sources. The victims, all between the ages of 22 and 45, remain hospitalized with third-degree burns requiring specialized treatment, officials said. Police are investigating the incident as a targeted assault.

Attack occurred near downtown Jersey City
Authorities confirmed the attack took place around 10:30 a.m. near a bus stop on Journal Square Boulevard, a high-traffic area in Jersey City’s downtown core. Witnesses told NBC New York they saw a moped rider approach the group of women and throw a liquid substance before speeding away. One witness described the substance as "smoking and bubbling" upon impact.

Medical response and victim conditions
All five women were transported to University Hospital in Newark, where they underwent emergency debridement procedures to remove damaged skin. Dr. Elena Vasquez, a burn specialist at the hospital, stated in a press release that the victims’ injuries were consistent with sulfuric acid exposure, though toxicology reports are pending. "The depth of these burns is alarming," Vasquez said. "We’re treating them for systemic shock and pain management while preparing for potential skin grafts."

Police investigation and public safety concerns
Jersey City Police Department Captain Mark Reynolds called the attack "a deliberate and cowardly act" during a press conference. Officers are reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the area for witnesses. Reynolds declined to speculate on motives but noted that acid attacks are rare in the city. "This is not an isolated incident," he said, referencing a similar case in Paterson last year where a man was charged with throwing battery acid at a rival.

Community reaction and support
Local advocacy groups, including the New Jersey Coalition Against Domestic Violence, condemned the attack and urged residents to report suspicious activity. "Acid attacks are a form of gender-based violence," said coalition spokesperson Priya Kapoor. "We’re working with law enforcement to ensure victims receive the support they need." The city’s mayor, Daniel R GAY, announced a $50,000 fund for medical expenses and counseling services for the victims.

How acid attacks compare to other violent crimes in NJ
Acid attacks are statistically uncommon in New Jersey, with fewer than five documented cases in the past decade, according to the New Jersey State Police. However, experts warn they are often underreported. A 2025 study by Rutgers University found that 60% of acid attack survivors in the U.S. did not seek police assistance due to fear of retaliation or stigma. The Jersey City incident marks the first confirmed case in Hudson County this year.

What happens next for the investigation
Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect, described as a male wearing a dark helmet and riding a black moped. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Jersey City Police non-emergency line at (201) 547-3200. The FBI’s Newark field office has been consulted to assist with potential federal charges if evidence of interstate involvement emerges.

Resources for victims and witnesses
The New Jersey Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) is available 24/7 for medical guidance. Victims of violence can access free legal and counseling services through the New Jersey Victim Witness Assistance Program at 1-800-792-4435. The Jersey City Police Department has set up a tip line at (201) 547-5000 for anonymous submissions.