Paterson, New Jersey — A violent Mother’s Day mass shooting in Paterson has left two people dead and four others wounded, intensifying fears over rising gun violence in the city.
Authorities say gunfire erupted Sunday evening near a busy intersection, sending victims collapsing to the ground as terrified bystanders scrambled for safety.
Six Victims Found Shot at Scene
According to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Paterson Police Department, officers responded around 8:26 p.m. Sunday to reports of a shooting near Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue.
When officers arrived, they discovered six individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.
All victims were transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Officials later confirmed that a 43-year-old man and a 29-year-old man, both from Paterson, died from their injuries.
The remaining four victims, also Paterson residents, were listed in stable condition.
Authorities have not publicly released the victims’ identities.
Shooting Reportedly Happened Outside Liquor Store
Reports indicate the violence unfolded outside a local liquor store.
Sources told media outlets that investigators believe the shooting may have been a drive-by attack, though officials have not formally confirmed that information.
ABC7 New York reported that police marked dozens of shell casings and pieces of evidence throughout the crime scene as investigators worked overnight to collect evidence.
The outlet also described disturbing video footage showing multiple victims lying on the ground while officers restrained another individual nearby.
“Help my brother,” one person could reportedly be heard yelling in the footage.
The chaotic scene left nearby residents and workers shaken as emergency crews rushed to assist the wounded.
Councilman Says Violence Is “Out of Control”
Paterson Councilman Alex Mendez, whose office is located near the shooting scene, said he and volunteers were forced to run for cover after hearing the gunfire erupt.
“Multiple people got shot right here,” Mendez told ABC7. “My office is a block away from here, was working with all my volunteers and I hear the shooting, so it’s scary. I mean, this city’s out of control.”
Mendez also expressed frustration over repeated violence in the community.
“This city is not safe at all. It’s unacceptable. Every other week, we’re getting a shooting.”
His comments reflect growing concerns among residents who say recurring gun violence continues to impact public safety across the city.
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Mayor Calls Shooting “Senseless”
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh condemned the violence and described the incident as a “senseless act of gun violence.”
“While we have made meaningful progress, with shootings down 60% over the last two years and gun violence victims down 66%, any act of gun violence is one too many,” the mayor said in a statement.
Despite recent reductions in crime statistics, the latest mass shooting has renewed fears among residents and community leaders alike.
According to reports, this marks the second mass shooting in Paterson within about a month.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Authorities confirmed that no arrests have been announced and investigators are continuing to search for those responsible.
“This investigation is active and ongoing,” the prosecutor’s office said. “More information will be released when it becomes available.”
Officials are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to contact investigators as detectives continue gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance footage.
The deadly violence has once again placed a spotlight on public safety concerns and gun violence in communities across New Jersey.
What are your thoughts on the recent rise in gun violence incidents? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
