The shootings occurred within hours of each other, leaving several victims hospitalised as police in both cities launched investigations to determine what triggered the attacks.
In Chicago, the shooting happened late Saturday night at Washington Park in the Hyde Park area on the city’s South Side.
Police said officers were at the park around 11:37 p.m. attempting to break up a large gathering when gunfire erupted.
A 35-year-old man was struck several times and rushed to the University of Chicago Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Nine other people were also wounded. They included five men and four women, aged between 23 and 45, who were transported to different hospitals for treatment.
Authorities said no suspect had been arrested immediately, adding that investigators were examining the possibility that multiple people were involved in the shooting.
The motive remained unknown, while no police officer was reported injured.
A witness, Terry Jones, told WLS that he had been attending a picnic at the park when the shooting began.
He initially mistook the sound of gunfire for fireworks before realising what was happening as people began fleeing and dropping to the ground for safety.
In Trenton, another shooting occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday, leaving two people dead and nine others injured.
Police responded to Locust Street in the Greenwood and Hamilton neighbourhood shortly after 12:25 a.m. following several emergency calls reporting gunfire.
Two victims were pronounced dead, while nine others were taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for medical attention.
Authorities had yet to release details about the conditions of those injured.
No arrests had been reported in connection with the Trenton incident at the time of filing the report.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force is leading the investigation, with detectives working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and track down those responsible.
The incidents have once again highlighted concerns over gun violence in the United States, as authorities in both cities continue efforts to establish the motives and identify the perpetrators.
