The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office said one of the injured victims is a young teenager.
The violence erupted around 6:30 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of East 29th Street and 10th Avenue.
Children nearby gasped in horror at the sound of rapid gunfire. They were ready to sing "Happy Birthday" to their 13-year-old friend at her backyard party, but instead of blowing out the candles, they ducked for cover when they heard gunshots in the distance.
"Just hearing it - it was scary to witness, to hear. Especially on my birthday, a time I'm trying to play with my friends, get together," the birthday girl said.
Cell phone video captured the complete chaos that ensued, with EMS assisting two people on the ground, one lying near a car and the other near a bike.
Two of those injured are in critical condition, and the third person is in stable condition.
Bystanders watched in shock and panic as first responders treated the victims. One of them was lying in the street next to a car, and another was on the ground next to a bicycle.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh called the shooting "very disturbing."
"It's been a relatively quiet year relative to gun violence, but one shooting is one too many," Mayor Sayegh said.
Local councilman Luis Velez says the City of Paterson has taken measures to reduce crime in this part of town -- what he calls a 'hotspot' -- in part by installing security cameras. He is encouraging the community to cooperate.
"Paterson Police is doing their job as I know, they're doing a great job to reduce crime, but one again we, the police, nobody, not even the news media has a crystal ball to say this is going to happen now," Velez said, "Some people see corners getting built up, they see activities and they're afraid to come out and say something, but our police department is trained to keep it confidential and approach to bring the quality of life in this area."
The name of the young man who was killed has not yet been released.
It's not clear if this shooting was gang related. So far, no motive, suspects, or arrests.
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