Two people were killed and eight others wounded in a shooting at a large block party in Trenton, New Jersey, early Sunday, prompting officials to address the public-safety risks posed by unauthorized residential gatherings.
Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora said in a statement posted to social media that the Aug. 30 gathering brought an estimated 200 or more people to Locust Street in the Wilbur section of East Trenton.
“A gathering of that magnitude creates serious public-safety concerns” for attendees, neighbors, police and first responders, Gusciora said.
The statement added that the city will consider identifying large gatherings earlier, improving police coordination, enforcing existing laws and intervening before crowds become dangerous or unmanageable. Street teams and community partners will also speak with Wilbur residents, gather information, and work to prevent retaliation.
“This is not about criminalizing people for gathering together,” Gusciora said. “It is about recognizing the difference between a gathering and hundreds of people occupying a residential street without authorization, particularly when firearms and violence become part of that environment.”
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office estimated that approximately 100 people attended the block party. Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Locust Street at about 12:23 a.m. while the shooting was underway.
Several adults were taken by ambulance or private vehicle to Capital Health Regional Medical Center. A 33-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man were pronounced dead. Two women and six men, ages 23 to 43, were treated and stabilized.
Investigators determined that multiple suspects approached the party and began firing into the crowd, prosecutors said. More than 50 spent shell casings were recovered across the block, and several vehicles were struck. Ewing police assisted with crowd control as detectives began reviewing surveillance footage and locating witnesses.
Gusciora said the man killed had been rebuilding his life after returning from incarceration and was recently recognized for his commitment to reentry and positive change. He added that the story was “especially heartbreaking when a life moving in a different direction is cut short by violence.”
Gov. Mikie Sherrill said her thoughts were with “the families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and the Trenton community.” She said the state attorney general remained in contact with local officials and thanked first responders and law enforcement.
Councilwoman at Large Jasi Mikae Edwards urged witnesses to provide photographs, videos or social media information, saying the community must “HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT GET ANSWERS.”
“Even something that may seem insignificant to you could be important to this investigation,” she said.
No arrests had been made. The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Trenton Police Department are investigating.