Rival gangs opened fire at annual 24-hour festival Art All Night in Trenton. One shooter killed, another taken to hospital
Police outside the festival venue after the tragedy. Source: Natalie Piserchio/WHYY/Artforum
The 24-hour art festival Art All Night in Trenton, New Jersey, was on the verge of being shut down on June 17 after fire was opened. According to the New York Times, one suspect was killed, 17 people were shot and several others were injured as they tried to run to safety.
Mercer County prosecutor Angelo Onofri said the incident at 2:45am was the result of a dispute between local gangs. The suspect, who was shot dead, was identified as Tahaij Wells, a 32-year-old man released from prison on parole. In February, he was in prison for “homicide-related charges”. Another suspect, Amir Armstrong, was injured in the gunfire and taken to hospital. He has been charged with a weapons offence, Artforum reports.
The authorities believe the festival was not the target, though mayor Reed Gusciora mentioned a possible warning about violence spread on social media. Before the tragedy, he received a screenshot of a Facebook post reading: “Please, please do not go to Art All Night! They will be shooting it up!”
After the shooting, governor Phil Murphy called for stricter gun-control laws. A week ago, he signed several new gun control bills into law. Sellers now must carry out background checks for private gun sales. Also, weapons may be seized if a mental health professional determines that a person may pose a threat to the community.
Organisers of Art All Night, the festival that celebrates its 12th year, expected 25,000 people to attend the event. Organised by Trenton’s Downtown Visual Art Center, the festival features works by local artists, musicians and cooks. This year’s works included an installation by the New Jersey Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
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