Two people were killed and at least four were wounded in a Mother’s Day shooting in Paterson, New Jersey officials confirmed Monday.
The mass shooting occurred around 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue. Responding officers found six victims.
Two men, ages 43 and 29, died from their injuries, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. All victims were taken to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center.
A neighbor described the rapid fire of bullets she heard, leading her to grab her two kids and run to the bathroom to seek shelter.
Another woman called out police for their treatment of her son at the scene Sunday, moments after she said he other son was shot twice in the legs.
“They had to do surgery because the bullets went in and up. They could’ve gone to their heart. I’m grateful they’re still here, but this didn’t have to happen,” said the woman, who did not wish to be identified.
Officials have not released any details about the victims, any potential suspects or what led up to the mass shooting.
Councilman Alex Mendez, a candidate in Tuesday’s mayoral race, said he was in the neighborhood when the gunfire erupted.
“We were celebrating Mother’s Day. The weather was nice, kids were playing. Having four people shot and two dead is horrible,” said Mendez. “I had the opportunity to talk to people and you can see the fear on their faces, it’s devastating.”
Current Paterson Mayor André Sayegh said shootings are down 60% over the last two years, along with a 66% reduction in gun violence victims.
“We are seeing a decrease, but one shooting is too many,” said Sayegh.