The son of New Jersey federal Judge Esther Salas was killed Sunday and her husband was in critical condition after being shot at their home, multiple senior law enforcement officials told NBC New York.
The shooting occurred in North Brunswick Township early in the evening, the FBI said in a statement, adding that it was searching for one suspect.
NBC New York reported that Salas’ husband, criminal defense lawyer Mark Anderl, answered the door and is believed to have been shot multiple times. Their son, who has not been identified, was also shot when he came running to the door, the station reported.
The gunman then fled, officials told the station. Salas is believed to have been in the basement at the time.
Salas, a former federal public defender nominated by then-President Barack Obama in January 2011 and confirmed that June, is a judge in U.S. District Court in Newark.
In a statement Sunday, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-NJ, said he knows Salas and her husband well and was was proud to have recommended her nomination to Obama.
“My prayers are with Judge Salas and her family, and that those responsible for this horrendous act are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.
Salas presided over the trial of former “Real Housewife” Teresa Giudice and other high-profile cases.