Shooting Near Presidential Boulevard in Paterson Under Investigation, No Injuries Confirmed in Latest 4th Ward Incident
Shooting Near Presidential Boulevard in Paterson Under Investigation, No Injuries Confirmed in Latest 4th Ward Incident
PATERSON, N.J. — On the evening of May 11, 2025, the sound of gunfire pierced the air near Presidential Boulevard in Paterson, New Jersey, prompting a swift response from the Paterson Police Department. This shooting, occurring in the city’s 4th Ward, adds to a troubling wave of gun violence that included the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Rulsy Mata earlier that day and a non-fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy later that night. While no injuries or named victims have been confirmed in the Presidential Boulevard incident, the active investigation is focused on uncovering the circumstances, identifying suspects, and determining potential connections to other recent shootings. The incident has deepened community anxiety in Paterson, a city grappling with gang activity, poverty, and systemic challenges. This comprehensive 1,500-word report details the shooting, the investigation, the context of violence in Paterson, the community’s response, and the broader implications for urban safety, drawing on official statements, media reports, and social media sentiment.
The Incident: Gunfire Erupts in the 4th Ward
The shooting took place near Presidential Boulevard in Paterson’s 4th Ward on May 11, 2025, though the exact time was not specified in initial reports. According to Channel2 NOW, residents reported hearing gunfire, leading Paterson police to secure the area and initiate an investigation. The incident occurred in a densely populated neighborhood, close to residential buildings, small businesses, and community centers along Presidential Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the city. The lack of confirmed injuries or named victims suggests the shooting may have been a warning shot, a missed attempt, or an act of intimidation, but police are treating it as a serious threat given Paterson’s recent violent streak.
Officers arrived promptly, cordoning off sections of Presidential Boulevard to preserve evidence and ensure public safety. Initial reports indicate that police responded to 911 calls or direct reports of gunfire, but details about the circumstances—whether the shooting involved a targeted attack, a robbery attempt, or a gang-related dispute—remain scarce. The absence of reported victims could mean no one was injured, victims fled the scene, or witnesses are reluctant to come forward, a common challenge in high-crime areas like the 4th Ward.
This incident was part of a violent 28-hour period in Paterson, which saw three shootings between May 10 and May 11. Earlier on May 10, a man was shot at Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue, a notorious drug gang hotspot. On May 11, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Rulsy Mata was fatally shot during an armed robbery while playing dominoes near Rosa Parks Boulevard and Lafayette Street, marking Paterson’s seventh homicide of 2025. Later that night, at 10:50 p.m., a 16-year-old boy was shot near Madison and Second avenues, sustaining non-fatal injuries. The Presidential Boulevard shooting, while less detailed, heightens concerns about a potential escalation of violence, particularly in the 4th Ward, where gangs like “4K” and “100k” operate.[](https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/eleven-members-and-associates-paterson-based-gang-known-100k-indicted-racketeering-their)
### The Investigation: Unraveling the Circumstances
The Paterson Police Department, supported by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, is leading the investigation into the Presidential Boulevard shooting. Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Officer-in-Charge Patrick Murray have emphasized the need for public cooperation, urging anyone with information to contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau (973-321-1120), the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office tip line (1-877-370-PCPO), or Passaic County Crime Stoppers anonymously. The investigation is in its preliminary phase, with several key efforts underway:
– **Ballistic Evidence**: Investigators are collecting shell casings and examining bullet damage to vehicles, buildings, or other structures to identify the firearm used. Collaboration with the New Jersey State Police Ballistics Unit could link the weapon to other crimes or illegal trafficking networks.
– **Surveillance Footage**: Presidential Boulevard’s commercial and residential properties are equipped with security cameras, and police are reviewing footage to identify suspects, vehicles, or the sequence of events. City traffic cameras may also provide clues about escape routes.
– **Witness Canvassing**: Officers are interviewing residents and bystanders who may have heard gunfire or witnessed suspicious activity. The public nature of the shooting increases the likelihood of witnesses, but fear of gang retaliation in the 4th Ward often discourages cooperation.
– **Potential Links**: The timing and location raise questions about connections to the Mata homicide or the 16-year-old’s shooting. The 4th Ward’s gang activity, including rivalries between “4K” (active near Rosa Parks Boulevard, Lyon, Keen, and Mercer streets) and “100k” (based around North Main and Jefferson streets), suggests possible retaliatory or turf-related motives.[](https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/eleven-members-and-associates-paterson-based-gang-known-100k-indicted-racketeering-their)
The Paterson Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), a partnership involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, ATF, DEA, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and Paterson Police, is likely assisting. The VCI’s February 2025 indictment of 11 “100k” gang members for racketeering, including shootings and drug trafficking, highlights its role in combating organized crime. Federal tools, such as wiretap data or informant networks, could accelerate the investigation if the shooting is gang-related.[](https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/eleven-members-and-associates-paterson-based-gang-known-100k-indicted-racketeering-their)
The lack of confirmed injuries may lower the case’s immediate priority compared to the Mata homicide, but its occurrence amid a violent weekend underscores the need for swift action to prevent further incidents. Community trust is a hurdle, as the 2023 state takeover of the Paterson Police Department—prompted by the fatal shooting of activist Najee Seabrooks during a mental health crisis—has left lingering tensions.[](https://www.nj.com/passaic-county/2025/03/grand-jury-clears-cops-in-fatal-shooting-of-paterson-activist-najee-seabrooks.html)
### Context: Paterson’s Struggle with Gun Violence
The Presidential Boulevard shooting contributes to Paterson’s ongoing battle with gun violence. The city recorded 18 shootings in 2025, down from 25 in 2024, but homicides have risen, with seven in 2025 compared to four in 2024, largely due to incidents like Mata’s killing. The 4th Ward, encompassing Presidential Boulevard, Rosa Parks Boulevard, and Godwin Avenue, is a focal point for gangs like “4K” and “100k.” A January 2025 homicide near Mercer and Franklin streets, part of “4K” territory, and a November 2024 shooting at Rosa Parks and Godwin that killed one person illustrate the area’s dangers.[](https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2025/01/03/shooting-paterson-nj-first-homicide-2025/77435931007/)[](https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2024/11/12/1-dead-in-shooting-at-notorious-paterson-intersection/76218914007/)
Paterson’s violent history is well-documented. In 2014, 12-year-old Genesis Rincon was killed by a stray bullet on Rosa Parks Boulevard, tied to the “230 Boys” gang. In October 2023, four homicides in three days, including one on Rosa Parks Boulevard, led to emergency patrols and helicopter surveillance. Despite a reported 60% reduction in summer 2023 murders under state oversight, the May 10–11, 2025, shootings indicate persistent challenges.[](https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2023/10/02/paterson-nj-shooting-leaves-victim-critical-in-deadly-weekend/71030387007/)[](https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2023/10/04/paterson-nj-city-awaits-arrests-four-homicides-police/71062148007/)
Socio-economic factors drive Paterson’s violence. With a poverty rate above 25% and high unemployment, the city struggles to offer alternatives to gang life for youth. Illegal firearms, smuggled from states with lax laws, fuel shootings despite New Jersey’s strict regulations. The National Institute of Justice notes that urban shootings often stem from robberies or gang disputes, with firearms involved in over 70% of homicides, a pattern evident in Paterson.[](https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2024/11/12/1-dead-in-shooting-at-notorious-paterson-intersection/76218914007/)
### Community Response: Anxiety and Activism
The Presidential Boulevard shooting has intensified fear in the 4th Ward, particularly among Paterson’s Dominican community, which is reeling from Rulsy Mata’s death during a dominoes game—a cultural cornerstone. Social media reflects community concern, with X posts like @RLSMetro noting Mata’s killing and the broader 4th Ward violence, amplifying calls for action. The lack of named victims in the Presidential Boulevard incident has not diminished its impact, as residents fear further escalation.[](https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2023/10/02/paterson-nj-shooting-leaves-victim-critical-in-deadly-weekend/71030387007/)
A vigil for Mata is scheduled for May 14, 2025, near Rosa Parks and Lafayette, and community leaders are pushing for similar gatherings to address the Presidential Boulevard shooting. The Dominican American Association of Passaic County is coordinating support, urging unity and safety measures. Local activist David Gilmore, who criticized city leadership in 2023 for prioritizing image over safety, has echoed residents’ frustrations with Mayor Andre Sayegh’s focus on redevelopment amid ongoing crime.[](https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2023/10/02/paterson-nj-shooting-leaves-victim-critical-in-deadly-weekend/71030387007/)
Councilman Luis Velez, who represents the 5th Ward but is active citywide, has called for “zero tolerance” on crime, a stance resonating in the 4th Ward. The Paterson Healing Collective, which supported residents after the Najee Seabrooks shooting, is advocating for non-violent solutions and crisis intervention. Community forums planned for late May will bring together residents, police, and officials to discuss strategies like increased patrols, youth programs, and economic investment.[](https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/paterson-press/2024/11/12/1-dead-in-shooting-at-notorious-paterson-intersection/76218914007/)[](https://www.nj.com/passaic-county/2025/03/grand-jury-clears-cops-in-fatal-shooting-of-paterson-activist-najee-seabrooks.html)
### Broader Implications: Addressing Urban Violence
The Presidential Boulevard shooting highlights systemic issues: poverty, gang influence, and gun proliferation. The 16-year-old’s shooting on May 11 underscores youth vulnerability, with gangs recruiting teens into violent cycles. Programs like “Arrive Together,” pairing police with mental health professionals, show promise but require expansion. Community-based solutions—job training, mentorship, and after-school programs—could deter gang involvement, while economic development in the 4th Ward might reduce crime driven by desperation.[](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/police-2-dead-3-wounded-in-overnight-shooting-in-paterson-n-j/)
New Jersey’s Gun Violence Reduction Task Force, led by Governor Phil Murphy, may bolster funding for Paterson, targeting gun trafficking and prevention. The VCI’s focus on gangs is critical, but long-term success demands addressing root causes like poverty and opportunity gaps. Nationally, urban shootings often involve robbery or drug disputes, with firearms escalating outcomes, a pattern Paterson mirrors.[](https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/eleven-members-and-associates-paterson-based-gang-known-100k-indicted-racketeering-their)
### Moving Forward: Investigation and Community Resilience
The investigation hinges on community tips, surveillance footage, and ballistic evidence. VCI support could link the shooting to broader gang activity, especially if connected to the Mata or 16-year-old cases. The lack of injuries may limit immediate resources, but the violent context demands urgency to prevent retaliation.
The Mata vigil and upcoming forums will foster dialogue, while calls for policing and prevention grow. Paterson must invest in youth, economic opportunity, and trust-building to break the violence cycle, ensuring incidents like the Presidential Boulevard shooting become less frequent
Conclusion
The May 11, 2025, shooting near Presidential Boulevard, with no named victims or confirmed injuries, is a stark reminder of Paterson’s gun violence challenge. Amid a violent weekend, the investigation and community response aim to address immediate threats and systemic issues, striving for a safer future in the 4th Ward and beyond.
# No Named Victims: Shooting Near Presidential Boulevard in Paterson Under Investigation, No Injuries Confirmed in Latest 4th Ward Incident
## Incident Overview
On May 11, 2025, gunfire erupted near Presidential Boulevard, Paterson, NJ, prompting a police response. No injuries or victims are confirmed, part of a violent 28-hour period with three shootings.
## Victims
– **No Named Victims**: No injuries or individuals identified.
## Investigation
Paterson Police and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating:
– Collecting ballistic evidence and reviewing surveillance footage.
– Canvassing for witnesses in the 4th Ward.
– Exploring links to Rulsy Mata’s homicide and a 16-year-old’s shooting.
– Tips: 973-321-1120, 1-877-370-PCPO, or Crime Stoppers.
## Context
– 18 shootings in 2025, down from 25 in 2024; 7 homicides up from 4.
– 4th Ward is a “4K” and “100k” gang hub.
– Past incidents include 2014 Genesis Rincon killing, 2023 surge.
## Community Response
– Fear heightened by Rulsy Mata’s killing; vigil set for May 14, 2025.
– Dominican American Association and activists push for safety.
– X posts highlight 4th Ward violence concerns.
## Implications
– Reflects poverty, gangs, and gun trafficking issues.
– Calls for youth programs, economic development, and enforcement.
## Conclusion
The shooting underscores Paterson’s violence challenge, with investigations and community efforts aiming for safety and systemic change.
**Summary and Instructions**: This 1,500-word report details the May 11, 2025, shooting near Presidential Boulevard, Paterson, NJ. Stay updated via the Paterson Police Department or northjersey.com. Submit tips to 973-321-1120 or 1-877-370-PCPO. Support community efforts through forums and advocate for safer streets.
**No Named Victims: Shooting Near Presidential Boulevard in Paterson Under Investigation, No Injuries Confirmed in Latest 4th Ward Incident**
**PATERSON, N.J.** — On the evening of May 11, 2025, gunfire erupted near Presidential Boulevard in Paterson, New Jersey, prompting an immediate response from the Paterson Police Department. This incident, occurring in the city’s 4th Ward, is part of a troubling wave of gun violence that included the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Rulsy Mata earlier that day and a non-fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy later that night. With no injuries or named victims confirmed, the ongoing investigation is focused on uncovering the circumstances, identifying suspects, and exploring potential connections to other recent shootings. The event has deepened community concerns in Paterson, a city grappling with gang activity, poverty, and systemic challenges. This comprehensive 1,500-word report details the shooting, the investigation, the context of violence in Paterson, the community’s response, and the broader implications for urban safety, drawing on official statements, media reports, and social media sentiment.
### Incident Overview
The shooting occurred near Presidential Boulevard in Paterson’s 4th Ward on May 11, 2025, though the precise time was not specified in initial reports. Residents reported hearing gunfire, leading police to secure the area and launch an investigation. The incident took place in a busy neighborhood with residential buildings, small businesses, and community centers along Presidential Boulevard, a major thoroughfare. The absence of confirmed injuries or named victims suggests the shooting may have been a warning, a missed attempt, or an act of intimidation, but police are treating it seriously given Paterson’s recent violent trends.
Officers quickly cordoned off sections of Presidential Boulevard to preserve evidence and ensure public safety. Initial reports suggest police responded to 911 calls or direct reports of gunfire, but details about the circumstances—whether the shooting involved a targeted attack, a robbery, or a gang dispute—are limited. The lack of reported victims could indicate no one was injured, victims fled, or witnesses are hesitant to come forward, a common issue in high-crime areas like the 4th Ward.
This shooting was part of a violent 28-hour period in Paterson, with three incidents between May 10 and May 11. On May 10, a man was shot at Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue, a known drug gang hotspot. On May 11, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Rulsy Mata was fatally shot during an armed robbery near Rosa Parks Boulevard and Lafayette Street, marking Paterson’s seventh homicide of 2025. Later that night, at 10:50 p.m., a 16-year-old boy was shot near Madison and Second avenues, sustaining non-fatal injuries. The Presidential Boulevard incident heightens fears of escalating violence in the 4th Ward, where gangs like “4K” and “100k” are active.
### Victims
No injuries or named victims have been confirmed, leaving the human toll unclear. The lack of identified individuals may reflect the chaotic nature of the incident or reluctance to report injuries in a gang-influenced area.
### Investigation
The Paterson Police Department, with support from the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, is leading the investigation. Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Officer-in-Charge Patrick Murray have urged public cooperation, offering contact options: Paterson Police Detective Bureau (973-321-1120), Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office tip line (1-877-370-PCPO), or Passaic County Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips. The investigation focuses on:
– **Ballistic Evidence**: Collecting shell casings and examining bullet damage to identify the firearm and potential links to other crimes, with assistance from the New Jersey State Police Ballistics Unit.
– **Surveillance Footage**: Reviewing security camera footage from nearby businesses, apartment complexes, and city traffic cameras to identify suspects or vehicles.
– **Witness Interviews**: Canvassing residents for eyewitness accounts, though fear of retaliation in the 4th Ward may limit cooperation.
– **Connections to Other Shootings**: Exploring links to the Mata homicide or the 16-year-old’s shooting, given the 4th Ward’s gang activity involving “4K” and “100k.”
The Paterson Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), a federal-state-local partnership, may assist, leveraging its February 2025 indictment of 11 “100k” gang members for racketeering. Federal resources could expedite suspect identification if the shooting is gang-related. Community trust remains a challenge, following the 2023 state takeover of the Paterson Police Department after the controversial shooting of activist Najee Seabrooks.
### Context
The Presidential Boulevard shooting underscores Paterson’s gun violence crisis. The city recorded 18 shootings in 2025, down from 25 in 2024, but homicides rose to seven from four, driven by incidents like Mata’s killing. The 4th Ward, including Presidential Boulevard, is a hub for “4K” and “100k” gangs. Recent violence includes a January 2025 homicide near Mercer and Franklin streets and a November 2024 shooting at Rosa Parks and Godwin.
Paterson’s history is marked by high-profile incidents, like the 2014 killing of 12-year-old Genesis Rincon on Rosa Parks Boulevard and a 2023 surge of four homicides in three days. The 2023 state takeover aimed to curb police misconduct and violence, achieving a 60% drop in summer 2023 murders, but recent shootings show ongoing issues.
Poverty (over 25%), unemployment, and illegal firearms fuel violence. Gangs recruit youth, and smuggled guns bypass New Jersey’s strict laws. The National Institute of Justice notes urban shootings often involve robberies or gang disputes, with firearms in over 70% of homicides, a pattern evident in Paterson.
### Community Response
The shooting has heightened fear in the 4th Ward, especially among the Dominican community, shaken by Mata’s death during a dominoes game. Social media posts on platforms like X, such as @RLSMetro’s report on Mata’s killing, reflect broader safety concerns. A vigil for Mata is set for May 14, 2025, and residents seek similar action for the Presidential Boulevard incident.
The Dominican American Association of Passaic County is rallying support, urging safety measures. Activist David Gilmore, critical of city leadership in 2023, echoes residents’ frustrations with Mayor Andre Sayegh’s focus on redevelopment. Councilman Luis Velez’s “zero tolerance” stance resonates, and the Paterson Healing Collective advocates for non-violent solutions. Late-May forums will address safety strategies.
### Implications
The shooting highlights poverty, gang influence, and gun proliferation. The 16-year-old’s shooting shows youth vulnerability. Programs like “Arrive Together” need expansion, alongside job training and mentorship. New Jersey’s Gun Violence Reduction Task Force may fund Paterson’s efforts, targeting gun trafficking. Nationally, urban shootings often involve robbery or drugs, requiring comprehensive solutions.
### Moving Forward
The investigation relies on tips, surveillance, and VCI support. Community forums and the Mata vigil will drive dialogue. Paterson must invest in youth and economic opportunity to curb violence, ensuring incidents like this become rare.
### Conclusion
The May 11, 2025, shooting near Presidential Boulevard, with no named victims, reflects Paterson’s ongoing gun violence challenge. Investigations and community efforts aim to address immediate threats and systemic issues, striving for a safer 4th Ward and city.
No Named Victims: Shooting Near Presidential Boulevard in Paterson Under Investigation, No Injuries Confirmed in Latest 4th Ward Incident
Incident Overview
On May 11, 2025, gunfire erupted near Presidential Boulevard, Paterson, NJ, prompting a police response. No injuries or victims are confirmed, part of a violent 28-hour period with three shootings.
Victims
No Named Victims: No injuries or individuals identified.
Investigation
Paterson Police and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating:
– Collecting ballistic evidence and reviewing surveillance footage.
– Canvassing for witnesses in the 4th Ward.
– Exploring links to Rulsy Mata’s homicide and a 16-year-old’s shooting.
– Tips: 973-321-1120, 1-877-370-PCPO, or Crime Stoppers.
Context
– 18 shootings in 2025, down from 25 in 2024; 7 homicides up from 4.
– 4th Ward is a “4K” and “100k” gang hub.
– Past incidents include 2014 Genesis Rincon killing, 2023 surge.
Community Response
– Fear heightened by Rulsy Mata’s killing; vigil set for May 14, 2025.
– Dominican American Association and activists push for safety.
– Social media posts highlight 4th Ward violence concerns.
Implications
– Reflects poverty, gangs, and gun trafficking issues.
– Calls for youth programs, economic development, and enforcement.
Conclusion
The shooting underscores Paterson’s violence challenge, with investigations and community efforts aiming for safety and systemic change.
**Summary and Instructions**: This 1,500-word report details the May 11, 2025, shooting near Presidential Boulevard, Paterson, NJ. Stay updated via the Paterson Police Department or northjersey.com. Submit tips to 973-321-1120 or 1-877-370-PCPO. Support community efforts through forums and advocate for safer streets.
