PATERSON, NJ – A Mother’s Day celebration turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy in Paterson on Sunday night, as a mass shooting left two men dead and four others injured.
Violence Erupts On Rosa Parks Boulevard
The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue. Paterson Police arriving at the scene discovered six victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Monday that two men, aged 43 and 29, have succumbed to their injuries. All six victims were rushed to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Neighbors Recount Moments Of Terror
The sound of rapid-fire gunshots sent residents into a panic. One local mother described the terrifying moment she grabbed her two children and sought shelter in her bathroom to escape the stray bullets.
Another witness, whose son was shot twice in the legs, expressed her heartbreak at the hospital. “They had to do surgery because the bullets moved upward,” she stated. “I’m grateful they are still here, but this didn’t have to happen.”
City Officials React To The Violence
The shooting took place just one day before the city’s mayoral election. Councilman Alex Mendez, who was in the neighborhood at the time, described the scene as devastating. “We were celebrating Mother’s Day, kids were playing,” Mendez said. “You can see the fear on people’s faces.”
Mayor André Sayegh noted that while gun violence in Paterson has seen a 66% reduction over the last two years, “one shooting is too many.”
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or information regarding potential suspects. No arrests have been made, and the motive behind the mass shooting remains under investigation.
Officials are urging anyone with information to contact the Paterson Police Department or the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
