At least 3 dead, 18 wounded in separate blue state mass shootings less than 15 minutes apart
Gunfire erupted in two American cities within 15 minutes of each other overnight, killing at least three people and wounding 18 in Trenton, New Jersey, and Chicago. Police in both cities are still investigating and have made no arrests, with officials in each case saying the motive remains unclear. The near-simultaneous shootings have shocked both communities, with local leaders including New Jersey's governor offering condolences to victims' families.
In Trenton, 11 people were shot near Locust Street just after midnight on Sunday, with two killed and nine taken to hospital; one victim was reportedly a man who had recently been recognised for turning his life around after leaving prison. In Chicago, gunmen opened fire on a crowd on the South Side as police broke up a gathering shortly before midnight on Saturday, hitting 10 people, one of whom, a 35-year-old man, later died in hospital. Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest in the Chicago case, while investigators have not released a description of the gunmen.
- Two mass shootings in Trenton and Chicago killed 3, wounded 18
- Incidents occurred within 15 minutes of each other overnight
- No arrests made; motives in both cases remain unknown
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Mass shootings are incidents in which several people are shot in a single event or closely connected attack. They are a recurring public-safety concern in the United States, where responsibility for policing is largely held by city and state authorities.
Trenton is New Jersey’s capital, while Chicago is the largest city in Illinois. Local police investigate shootings, collect evidence and seek witnesses, while county prosecutors may bring charges if suspects are identified.
The attacks also take place against a wider debate about gun violence, access to firearms and how communities can prevent violent crime. That debate involves local governments, state lawmakers, federal officials, police, health workers and community groups.