Shooting Interrupts 13-Year-Old's Birthday Party in Paterson, NJ

One killed, three injured as gunfire erupts near celebration

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:13pm

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An extreme close-up of a spent bullet casing on the ground, reflecting the harsh, sudden nature of the shooting incident that disrupted a child's birthday celebration.The aftermath of a violent shooting that interrupted a 13-year-old's birthday party, exposing the ongoing challenges Paterson faces in addressing gun crime.Paterson Today

A shooting in Paterson, New Jersey on Saturday evening left one person dead and three others injured, including a young teenager. The violence occurred around 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of East 29th Street and 10th Avenue as children were gathering for a 13-year-old girl's backyard birthday party.

Why it matters

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges Paterson faces in reducing gun violence, even in residential areas. While the city has installed security cameras in known crime hotspots, the effectiveness of this technology is limited by a lack of community cooperation and witness testimony.

The details

According to a witness account, two individuals were seen exiting a car and firing what appeared to be an automatic weapon. First responders treated multiple victims at the scene, with one victim found lying in the street next to a car and another found on the ground beside a bicycle.

  • The shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • The 13-year-old girl's birthday party was taking place when the gunfire erupted.

The players

Paterson Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting incident.

Passaic County Prosecutor's Office

The office that has confirmed one of the injured victims is a young teenager.

Luis Velez

A local Paterson city councilman who encouraged the community to cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Investigators may rely on the city's security camera network to identify the suspects, but the resolution of the case could depend on whether residents feel safe enough to provide information regarding the activities on the street corners.

The takeaway

This tragic event highlights the ongoing challenges Paterson faces in addressing gun violence, even in residential areas. While surveillance technology has been implemented, the effectiveness of these measures is limited without greater community cooperation and a willingness of witnesses to come forward.