TRENTON, N.J. – The City of Trenton has enacted an emergency overnight business curfew along a section of East State Street as officials intensify efforts to curb violence and disorder that have plagued the downtown corridor in recent months.
This comes after the city’s fourth homicide of the year.
Mayor W. Reed Gusciora signed Executive Order 26-001 on Aug. 6, requiring businesses located between West Canal Street and South Broad Street to close between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. every weekend, beginning Friday night and continuing through Monday morning until further notice.
The order follows a string of violent incidents, including a fatal shooting outside a downtown establishment near City Hall during an unauthorized late-night gathering.
“This executive order is one part of a larger public safety strategy aimed at restoring order while protecting residents, visitors, and businesses,” he said.
Fatal shooting, mass shooting prompted action
The emergency order comes after a violent summer in New Jersey’s capital city.
On June 9, seven people—including two 17-year-olds—were wounded when more than 50 rounds were fired near Centre and Furman streets in South Trenton. Investigators launched a search for multiple suspects following the mass shooting.
Later in the summer, a fatal shooting near City Hall on East State Street, coupled with repeated reports of street fights, open alcohol and drug use, illegal gatherings, and traffic congestion, prompted city leaders to pursue emergency action.
Officials stressed that the executive order applies only to business operations and is not a curfew for residents using public streets.
City expands public safety strategy
The overnight business restrictions are part of a broader initiative that includes increased patrols by the Trenton Police Department, enhanced parking enforcement, community outreach teams, anti-dumping efforts, and proposed ordinance changes designed to address disruptive gatherings.
Police Director Steve Wilson has said overall crime in Trenton has declined by approximately 20% compared with the same period last year, while homicides have fallen by more than 50% year over year.
Even with those improvements, city officials say recent high-profile shootings have required additional intervention in areas experiencing recurring late-night violence.
The Trenton Police Department also achieved state accreditation earlier this year, although public records show officer use-of-force incidents increased during the first half of the year, which officials attributed in part to a rise in domestic violence calls.
Business owners divided over curfew
Not all downtown business owners support the emergency restrictions.
Ed Forchion, owner of NJ Weedman’s Joint, has argued the city should deploy more police officers to manage crowds rather than requiring businesses to close during peak late-night hours.
City officials said they will review conditions on a daily basis and determine whether the emergency order should be modified or lifted as public safety conditions improve.
Key Points
- Trenton has imposed an emergency weekend overnight business curfew along East State Street.
- The order follows a fatal shooting and repeated late-night violence near City Hall.
- Officials say the curfew is part of a broader public safety plan that includes increased police patrols and enforcement.
FAQ
What does the executive order do?
It requires businesses along East State Street between West Canal Street and South Broad Street to close from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. every weekend until further notice.
Does the order create a curfew for residents?
No. The executive order applies only to businesses and does not prohibit residents from using public streets.
Why was the order issued?
City officials cited a series of violent incidents, including a fatal shooting, street fights, and recurring late-night disorder near City Hall.
What other public safety measures are being implemented?
The city has increased police patrols, parking enforcement, community street teams, sanitation efforts, and is considering ordinance changes to address disruptive gatherings.
How has crime changed in Trenton?
According to Police Director Steve Wilson, overall crime is down about 20% and homicides are down more than 50% compared with the same period in 2025, despite several high-profile violent incidents this summer.
Source: Trenton Mayor’s Office (Executive Order 26-001), City of Trenton, Trenton Police Department
