PATERSON, N.J. — A quiet Saturday evening in Paterson turned into a scene of absolute terror as gunfire erupted near a residential birthday party, leaving one young man dead and three others fighting for their lives.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Paterson Police Department are currently investigating the shooting, which occurred at the intersection of 10th Avenue and East 29th Street around 6:15 p.m. Saturday.
The Scene of the Shooting
Cell phone footage captured by witnesses shows the frantic moments immediately following the gunfire. Police arrived to find multiple victims scattered near the intersection. Officials have confirmed the following:
- One Fatality: A 20-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Three Wounded: Three other victims were rushed to a local trauma center. Among them, sources indicate one is a young teenager.
- Current Status: Two victims remain in critical condition, while one is reported to be in stable condition.
“Bullets Near a Birthday Party”
The shooting occurred while families were outside enjoying the warm weekend weather. A neighbor, identified only as Warren, spoke about the sheer panic that set in when the shots rang out. His great-niece and 10-year-old nephew were attending a birthday party just a few doors down from where the bodies were found.
“It’s a nightmare,” another resident shared. “You can’t even have a cake and balloons for a kid without worrying about a stray bullet.”
The intensity of the gunfire has left the 10th Avenue neighborhood shaken, with many residents questioning whether the victims were specifically targeted or if they were caught in a crossfire.
Calls for Accountability from City Leaders
While Paterson City Council members have previously promised a boost in security and increased police patrols in high-crime corridors, residents say the efforts aren’t enough. The Saturday shooting has reignited a fierce debate over public safety in the city.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims pending family notification, nor have they announced any descriptions of potential suspects or vehicles involved. Investigators are currently canvassing the area for additional surveillance footage from local businesses and residences.
A Pattern of Violence?
Paterson has struggled with a series of high-profile shootings over the last year, leading to increased state oversight of the local police department. Community activists are calling for more than just “boosted security”; they are demanding long-term solutions to address the root causes of the violence that is claiming the lives of the city’s youth.
Paterson residents, we want to hear from you. Do you feel safe in your neighborhood? What should city leaders be doing differently to stop the violence on our streets?
Share your thoughts and prayers for the families involved in the comments below.
