The basics:

• Trenton curfew in effect nightly until Aug. 17 near City Hall
• Response to shootings, assaults, disruptive gatherings
• Increased police patrols and legal actions in place
• Mayor warns unrest threatens safety and downtown growth

Trenton officials are taking emergency action in response to a wave of disturbances and violence near City Hall.

On July 18, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora issued Executive Order 25-01. The EO authorizes an emergency curfew on East State Street between Carrol Street and South Broad Street.

Taking effect that same day, the curfew calls on all businesses located in that area to cease operations each evening between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The order is scheduled to remain in place until Aug. 17 — unless conditions that led to the action are not yet addressed.

Gusciora said that the decision was not made lightly.

“There has been ongoing violence in this area, and we must take immediate action to protect our community,” said Gusciora. “The emergency curfew is a necessary measure to help ensure the safety of our residents.”

‘Club City Hall’

The recent incidents in the area dubbed “Club City Hall” include one on July 5. After an individual was shot and killed on the steps of City Hall, police recovered a loaded handgun on municipal grounds. Then on July 12, a Trenton police officer was assaulted while dispersing a crowd at 322 E. State St.

Officials say that large crowds have been gathering on City Hall property and at a nearby establishment operating late into the night – and that is has escalated in recent weeks. The uptick has required assistance from the Trenton Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department.

“These aren’t just weekend parties, they’ve become a public safety threat,” said Gusciora on July 17. “City Hall is not a nightclub. We will not allow our streets and public spaces to be disrespected and damaged any longer.”

The executive Order states: “Whereas since Spring 2025, there have been disruptive, dangerous, and unauthorized late-night gatherings taking place near City Hall which are fueled in part, by nearby restaurants or businesses operating beyond the scope of their licenses, including functioning as unregulated nightclubs, unlawfully serving alcohol, and tolerating the unauthorized dispensing of recreational drugs.”

This curfew is part of a series of actions taken by the city in response, such as:

• Increased police presence and parking enforcement during late-night hours near City Hall
• Accelerated cleanup and anti-dumping efforts in the area
• Proposed amendments to city ordinances to provide stronger enforcement tools dealing with disruptive activities
• Legal actions against individuals and businesses responsible for vandalism, dumping, or other disruptive or unlawful conduct
• Mandatory off-duty police for events or gatherings of more than 50 people

In addition to the public safety concerns and the disturbances to the area, Gusciora noted the strain the situation has taken on the city’s finances.

“This past weekend cost the city over $10,000 in police overtime, not including outside law enforcement support, which is not permanent,” he said last week. “If anyone opposes these changes, they should propose a ‘Party Tax’ – because that’s what it would take.”

This past weekend cost the city over $10,000 in police overtime, not including outside law enforcement support, which is not permanent. If anyone opposes these changes, they should propose a ‘Party Tax’ – because that’s what it would take.
— Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora

Gusciora also has warned that “unchecked disorder” would drive away downtown economic development, a major area of focus for the mayor’s administration.

“We’re not against nightlight. We’re against violence, trash, and disorder that threatens the safety of residents, officers, and businesses,” said Gusciora. “It’s time to choose a thriving downtown. Trenton deserves better – and we’re taking action to deliver it.”