PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) — Children ducked for cover at a backyard birthday party in Paterson, NJ, after gunfire broke out nearby, killing a 20-year-old man and wounding three others.
“One shooting is one to many,” Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said.
The violence erupted around 6:15 p.m. along 10th Avenue as children and families were gathered nearby for a 13-year-old girl’s birthday party.
“First we thought it was fireworks but then we heard sirens and everyone started going home because they were scared,” said the girl’s mother, who was given permission to speak. Her face was not shown.
Four people were struck by gunfire. First responders were seen helping the injured at the scene.
Video captured chaotic moments just before the shooting. The victims were walking along 10th Avenue, passing a black car parked on the same side of the street. As they reached the corner, two suspects jumped out of the vehicle with weapons drawn and began firing.
One gunman advanced toward the young men who had been shot and were lying in the street. As one victim tried to get up and run, the suspect moved closer and fired more rounds. The two suspects then got back into the car and sped away.
The family of the 20-year-old man who was killed said they are not ready to speak, citing the recent loss of another relative.
Police said two of the victims remain in critical condition, while a fourth is listed as stable. The suspects have not been found.
“I’m asking Paterson to join me in prayer for the families and this senseless gun violence,” Sayegh said.
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