Top state and federal law enforcement officials in New Jersey are teaming up to target violent offenders in Trenton following a pair of mass shootings that rocked the state capital in recent days, killing one person and injuring 15 others.
U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito and state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced the “Trenton violent crime initiative” in a joint statement Thursday, days after the Memorial Day weekend shootings.
On Saturday, local authorities said two gunmen fired a barrage bullets during a drive-by shooting that left about 10 people wounded. On Monday, another shooting injured several and took the life of an 18-year-old city man, Unique Anderson.
Grewal and Carpenito said the new initiative had been in the works for several months, modeled on similar cooperative efforts in Newark and Jersey City. But the effort took on increased urgency following the spate of summer violence.
“Leaders from the participating agencies will meet regularly to review intelligence regarding the most violent offenders in Trenton, their accomplices, crime trends, and potential leads that can be acted on by the partnering agencies,” the two officials said in their statement.
“In analyzing intelligence, the partnering agencies will look at all of those involved in shootings, including victims as well as shooters, because victims in many cases may be likely participants in future gun violence.”
Authorities did not specify what additional resources would be deployed to Trenton, saying only that the initiative “will rely on intelligence and analysis” from the New Jersey State Police’s regional intelligence center.
They said the increased activities will include executing warrants and other “crime suppression efforts” focused known “hot spots” in the city.
Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said the city welcomes and is grateful for the assistance.
“By using technical and manpower assistance, Trenton PD can better do their job with the limited resources we have. I am especially grateful for Attorney General Grewal’s visit to Trenton this evening to discuss this initiative further with our director and police top brass,” the mayor said.
- Reporter Kevin Shea contributed to this story.
S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter.
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