The Essex County Prosecutor's Office says the shooting happened Friday around 12:30 p.m. inside the Ramada Inn located on Two Bridges Road, and their homicide task force is responding.
They say two people were shot. One victim was killed and the other person was injured.
The injured victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Police are trying to track down the gunman who fled the scene, but officials say there is "no continuing threat to this community."
Officials say it appeared the victims worked at the hotel. They did not say how they are related or what their connection might be to the gunman.
Investigators have the property blocked off, and guests are not being allowed back into their rooms until police give the OK.
"It's just a little shocking that this happens and nobody knocked on our door to let us know or what was going on," one hotel guest said.
She says that from her room, she could hear yelling, but wasn't sure what floor it was coming from.
One man Eyewitness News spoke to says the hotel, which is located just off i-80, has been on police radar for various issues for years.
"Route 80 is right there. So, you can get on and take off and do mischief, whatever," the man said. "The one thing I will say is that the Fairfield police are on top of it."
No further details have been provided.
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