TRENTON, N.J. (Mercer County) — Two people were killed and eight others wounded after multiple suspects opened fire on a large block party in Trenton early Sunday morning, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Mercer County Homicide Task Force and Trenton Police Department are investigating the shooting, which occurred shortly after midnight in the 100 block of Locust Street.
Trenton patrol officers were dispatched around 12:23 a.m. for a shooting in progress and located several adult victims. In total, 10 people suffered gunshot wounds and were transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center by ambulance or private vehicle, according to the Prosecutor’s Office.
A 33-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man were pronounced dead. Eight other victims — two women and six men ranging in age from 23 to 43 — were treated for their injuries and stabilized.
A preliminary investigation determined that approximately 100 people were attending a large block party when multiple suspects walked up and began firing into the crowd, prosecutors said.
Investigators recovered more than 50 spent shell casings from a crime scene that encompassed the entire 100 block of Locust Street. Multiple vehicles were also struck by gunfire.
The Trenton Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit processed the scene, while Ewing police officers assisted with crowd control. Homicide Task Force detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and attempting to locate witnesses who may have information.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora issued a statement Sunday addressing the shooting and the city’s response.
“My heart goes out to the families of the two people whose lives were taken, to everyone who was wounded, and to the residents of the Wilbur Section who awoke this morning to another painful reminder of the consequences of gun violence,” Gusciora said.
The mayor said city officials understand that one of those killed had been working to turn his life around after returning home from incarceration and had recently been recognized for his commitment to reentry and positive change. Gusciora said he would not identify the man until law enforcement formally releases his identity.
“Until his identity is formally released by law enforcement, I will not identify him. But his story is an important reminder of why we do this work: people can change, people deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives, and it is especially heartbreaking when a life moving in a different direction is cut short by violence.”
Gusciora described the gathering as a large, unauthorized adult gathering on a residential street. The mayor estimated that 200 or more people were present, while the Prosecutor’s Office said its preliminary investigation indicated approximately 100 people were attending the block party.
The mayor said Trenton plans to take additional steps to prevent large unauthorized gatherings from taking over residential streets. Those measures could include earlier identification of gatherings, enhanced coordination and deployment of law enforcement resources, enforcement of existing ordinances and laws, and intervention before crowds become dangerous or unmanageable.
“This is not about criminalizing people for gathering together. 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.”
Gusciora said the city’s response will also include engaging street teams and community partners in the Wilbur section to speak with residents, gather information, connect people with resources and work to prevent retaliation or additional violence.
The mayor also appealed directly to those who attended the gathering to provide investigators with photographs, videos, text messages, social media posts or other information that could help determine who fired the weapons.
“If you know something, say something. If you have video, preserve it. If you saw who had a weapon or who fired, provide that information to investigators. Protecting someone responsible for taking a life only puts another family and another neighborhood at risk.”
Gusciora said the city will support the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office as investigators work to identify and prosecute those responsible.
“Trenton is a resilient city. But resilience cannot mean simply enduring tragedy after tragedy. It must mean learning from what happened, changing what we can change, and doing everything within our power to prevent the next one.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Mercer County Homicide Task Force Detective Jennifer Eyster at 609-989-6406. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office website.
