Emergency weekend curfew takes effect in Trenton, NJ | What to know
TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- An emergency weekend business curfew is taking effect in part of Trenton as city officials seek to curb late-night violence along East State Street.
Mayor Reed Gusciora signed the order Thursday, requiring businesses on East State Street between West Canal Street and South Broad Street to close from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. beginning Friday.
The mayor said the city hopes the curfew will help prevent additional violence in an area that has seen two homicides in the last year or so, as well as a nonfatal shooting involving multiple victims. Residents offered mixed opinions on the new restrictions.
"I don't think it's a good idea," said Trenton resident Shawn Hassell. "People are still gonna go hang out somewhere else."
Another resident, Clayton Horgan, said, "I think it's a slight deterrent."
Gusciora said the city had to act because of recent violence in the area.
"We understand that there are people who want to go out and have a good time, but when they bring out guns or other acts of violence, that's when we have to put a stop to it," Gusciora said.
The order follows a fatal shooting around 3:45 a.m. Sunday outside NJ Weedman's Joint, a dispensary and 24-hour restaurant across from City Hall.
The business's owner, Edward Forchion, said he believes his establishment is being singled out by city officials because it is the only business in the area operating after 10 p.m.
"I'm the only business here that's open after 10 o'clock," Forchion said.
Forchion said he has repeatedly raised concerns about police presence in the area and argued that incidents occurring outside his business should not be blamed on him.
"They're going to put plenty of officers to keep me out of business, to keep me from opening, but they couldn't put two officers outside to maintain order?" Forchion said.
"I never have problems inside. The problems are all outside where the police, the city is supposed to be maintaining order."
Gusciora rejected that criticism.
"We're not in the business of providing protection for a nightclub or other venue. We expect them to step up and the crowd that they attract should be their responsibility," the mayor said.
The East State Street corridor has experienced other violent incidents in recent years. A man was killed on East State Street in April 2025, and large fights last summer prompted similar curfew measures. Three people also were shot on the back patio of NJ Weedman's Joint in May. It is not yet clear how long the current curfew will remain in effect. Businesses that violate the order could face fines.
Forchion said he is worried about the impact on his business.
"They're getting what they want; I barely survived last summer," he said.
Forchion also said the dispute has him considering a run for mayor.
