1 Dead, 3 Injured in Paterson Mass Shooting

Gunfire erupts in New Jersey city, leaving chaos and tragedy in its wake.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a spent shell casing on the ground, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of the crime scene.The aftermath of a mass shooting in Paterson, New Jersey exposes the harsh realities of gun violence in urban communities.Paterson Today

A mass shooting in Paterson, New Jersey on Saturday evening has left one person dead and three others injured, including a 13-year-old. The incident occurred on East 29th Street and 10th Avenue, with surveillance footage capturing the aftermath as people rushed to aid the victims. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the shooting, which occurred in an area known for trouble.

Why it matters

Gun violence continues to plague communities across the country, with mass shootings becoming an all-too-common occurrence. This latest incident in Paterson highlights the devastating impact these events can have, not just on the victims but on the entire community. As authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of gun violence.

The details

According to officials, the shooting took place around 7 p.m. on Saturday evening in Paterson's East 29th Street and 10th Avenue neighborhood. Surveillance footage obtained by local news outlets captured the chaotic aftermath, with one man frantically calling for help as three people lay on the ground, one of them motionless. Witnesses reported hearing a barrage of gunshots, with one nearby worker describing the scene as 'a lot of gunshots' and 'people screaming, people crying'.

  • The shooting occurred on Saturday, April 19, 2026 around 7 p.m.

The players

Luis Velez

A Paterson City Council member who stated that most of the victims are believed to be in their 20s, along with the 13-year-old who was injured. He also noted that the area is known to be a hot spot for trouble.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting, including whether it was gang-related. They are also working to determine if any of the victims were specifically targeted or if it was a random act of violence.

The takeaway

This tragic mass shooting in Paterson is a stark reminder of the ongoing gun violence crisis plaguing communities across the country. As authorities work to uncover the details, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of such senseless acts and prevent future occurrences that devastate innocent lives.