A Ghanaian-American councilwoman was fatally shot outside her home in New Jersey on Wednesday, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. According to ABC News, officials called Eunice Dwumfour’s death “shocking” and “senseless.”
According to authorities, the suspect who killed the Republican Party council member opened fire on her while she was in her car. Dwumfour was shot multiple times, according to police, and was pronounced dead at the scene. According to sources, the fatal incident occurred after the deceased mother and politician dropped an individual off at her home. She was on her way somewhere else when the suspect approached her and opened fire.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Dwumfour was the state’s first incumbent official to be fatally shot in recent memory. Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone also told the news outlet that it does not appear Dwumfour’s murder was motivated by her political position. The councilwoman who died was elected in 2021.
“I am stunned by the news of Sayreville Councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour’s murder last evening in an act of gun violence,” said Murphy. “Her career of public service was just beginning, and by all accounts she had already built a reputation as a committed member of the Borough Council who took her responsibility with the utmost diligence and seriousness.”
Authorities are yet to determine the motive behind the fatal incident. Police did not also disclose if a person of interest in the shooting has been identified or if they have arrested anyone. In a Facebook post, the deceased councilwoman’s neighbor said she was “killed 300 feet from my home … she was shot while returning back home. She was a woman full of life.”
Outside politics, Dwumfour worked as a business analyst and part-time emergency medical technician, ABC News reported. She was also a leader at her local church. New Jersey Republican State Committee Chair Bob Hugin described the fatal incident as “senseless violence.”