Three Killed, 18 Wounded in Dual Mass Shootings Across New Jersey and Illinois Within Minutes

Two mass shooting incidents unfolded simultaneously across different states early Sunday morning, claiming three lives and injuring 18 people in what authorities are treating as separate criminal acts. The violence erupted in Trenton, New Jersey, and Chicago, Illinois, within a 12-minute window, prompting intense investigations by law enforcement agencies in both jurisdictions.

Trenton police arrived at a scene near 194 Locust Street around 12:25 a.m. local time after receiving reports of gunshots, according to statements from Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. Emergency responders discovered 11 shooting victims at the location, with two pronounced dead at the scene and nine others transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Gusciora highlighted the circumstances of one deceased victim, describing an individual who had recently completed incarceration and was actively working toward personal rehabilitation. “We understand that one of the individuals who lost his life 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,” the mayor stated. Victim identities remain unconfirmed, and no arrests have been made.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill confirmed she received a briefing on the shooting and pledged continued coordination between state and local officials. “As local law enforcement continues to investigate, my Attorney General remains in close contact with officials on the ground,” Sherrill posted on social media Sunday. “I’m thinking of the families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and the Trenton community.”

Twelve minutes prior and hundreds of miles away, Chicago police responded to a second shooting on the city’s South Side at approximately 11:37 p.m. Saturday evening. Officers were dispersing a large gathering when gunmen opened fire into the crowd, striking 10 people with gunfire.

A 35-year-old man sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to University of Chicago Medical Center, where he subsequently died from his injuries. Nine additional victims—comprising six men and three women between ages 23 and 45—were wounded in the attack, with several reported in good condition including a 26-year-old woman struck multiple times in the chest.

Chicago police have not released information regarding the nature of the gathering or potential motives behind the shooting. Investigators are continuing to seek descriptions and identities of the gunmen responsible for the incident. Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrests.

Paul Rutherford, executive director of Cook County Crime Stoppers, condemned the violence in a statement. “This senseless act of violence has devastated another Chicago community and left families dealing with unimaginable pain,” Rutherford said.