Shooting in Paterson, NJ Leaves 12-Year-Old Boy and 3 Others Injured

Authorities investigating motive, no suspects named yet

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:57am

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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 shooting in Paterson, NJ that left a 12-year-old boy and three others injured, exposing the harsh realities of gun violence in urban communities.Paterson Today

A 12-year-old boy and three other people were shot in Paterson, New Jersey on Saturday evening. The shooting occurred around 6 PM on the corner of East 29th Street and 10th Avenue, according to a source familiar with the investigation. The Passaic County prosecutor's office is investigating the incident, but has not yet released details on the motive or any suspects.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving minors is a major concern in many urban communities, and this latest incident in Paterson highlights the ongoing challenges of public safety and crime prevention, especially in neighborhoods that have historically struggled with high rates of violence.

The details

According to the source, the 12-year-old boy who was shot survived the incident. Cellphone video captured the chaotic aftermath, with Paterson Council Member Luis Velez confirming that four victims were shot, with one person deceased and the others receiving treatment at the hospital. Velez stated that it was unclear if anyone was specifically targeted in the shooting.

  • The shooting occurred just after 6 PM on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Luis Velez

A Paterson City Council member who provided details about the shooting incident.

Passaic County Prosecutor's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the shooting in Paterson.

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What they’re saying

“This came in late in the afternoon, a shooting happened here. Four victims. I believe one deceased and the remaining are at the hospital taking treatment.”

— Luis Velez, Paterson City Council Member

“He went running back, but he had saw two people come out of a car and then shoot, but it was like an automatic gun.”

— Unidentified Girl, Witness

What’s next

The Passaic County prosecutor's office is continuing its investigation into the shooting, including determining the motive and identifying any suspects.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in many urban communities. While details are still emerging, it serves as a sobering reminder of the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of such violence, especially when it involves minors.