New Jersey

Drive-by Gunman Shoots 10 People Outside Trenton Bar

"This is the second mass shooting in the city of Trenton in the last year, and it's something that can't be acceptable"

Gunfire erupted outside a Trenton bar early Saturday morning, striking five men and five women, New Jersey officials said.

It's the second mass shooting in the state capital in less than a year.

The drive-by shooting near Ramoneros Liquor and Bar on Brunswick Street happened shortly after midnight, the Trenton Police Department said. The bar is a place where many different residents commingle, including rival gangs, according to Mayor Reed Gusciora.

The victims were all between 23 and 36 years old. At least two of the victims were listed in critical but stable condition. Eight of the victims were Trenton residents, according to officials.

Two of the male victims underwent emergency surgery at Capital Health Regional Medical Center.

The shooting was "indicative of gun violence across America," Gusciora said. Less than a year ago, 22 people were injured after a mass shooting outside the Trenton Arts Festival. 

"Ultimately, it's going to have to be the federal government that’s going to have to step up to the plate," he said.

Gusciora added that despite community improvement efforts, Trenton must work harder to provide a safe home for residents and not become a "tale of two cities."

"We have to address the socioeconomic problems where many young people have given up hope," he said. "We have to address the underlying causes of why someone would pick up a gun and join a gang."

Shortly before gun fire erupted, witnesses saw a dark-colored car pull up to an intersection where several people were gathered outside. At least two suspects fired more than 30 shots into the crowd, police said. 

Officials have not identified the suspects or released possible suspects. 

"This is the second mass shooting in the city of Trenton in the last year, and it's something that can't be acceptable. This is completely unacceptable," Trenton Councilman-at-Large Jerell Blakeley said, referring to a shooting that left a suspect dead and 22 people injured at an arts festival in June 2018.

The councilman also said he would call for the National Guard to patrol the city.

Officers responded to the gunfire around 12:24 a.m., the TPD said. Shell casings and at least 50 evidence markers littered the pavement as they closed off the street to investigate.

"I just heard the loud gunshots. It was a couple of them. I came downstairs and by the time I got down, it was just crazy everywhere," said Norman Hutto, who lives nearby.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Trenton Police Department.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated with new information released by the Trenton Police Department.

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