Additional Coverage:
Four individuals were injured Saturday when gunfire broke out just steps away from a children’s birthday party in Paterson, New Jersey.
Law enforcement from the Paterson Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office responded quickly to the scene near East 29th Street and 10th Avenue. Witnesses at a nearby celebration described the frightening moment they had to scramble for cover as shots rang out on the block.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh confirmed the shooting, stating, “I can confirm that four people have been shot. Unfortunately, we have four victims.
Officers are at the hospital monitoring their condition.” He did not provide further details about the victims or whether any suspects have been identified but praised the police for their rapid response.
At the scene, officers were observed marking evidence, while officials from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office announced they would share updates as the investigation progresses. Rob Rowan, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Attorney General’s office, described the event as an “active multiple shooting investigation.”
This incident follows another shooting just a week prior on Governor Street, where at least one person was injured. Authorities transported that victim to St.
Joseph’s University Medical Center, though no additional information about their condition or identity has been disclosed. Early investigation suggested the suspect in that case was operating a scooter, which was later found crashed and abandoned near Bridge Street and Memorial Drive, though it has not been confirmed if it was connected to the shooting.
The motives behind both shootings remain unknown. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office has urged anyone with information to come forward by contacting their tips line. The community remains on alert as authorities continue their work to uncover the circumstances surrounding these violent incidents.