Shortly after 1PM on Thursday, December 19th, there were reports of heightened police activity and potential gunshots at 4th and Jackson Streets in Hoboken.
Photo Credit: Nicole Magaña
The Hoboken Girl received a DM saying caution tape was put up, and that small evidence markers were placed in the road.
Hoboken Councilman Michael Russo relayed a message from the City to The Hoboken Girl, saying that the City received reports of shots fired in the area of Fourth and Jackson. The Hoboken Police Department’s responded immediately and out of an abundance of caution, Police Chief Aguiar ordered the area to be locked down.
The Hoboken Police Department also posted on X about the situation:
“Today at approximately 1 pm, HPD responded to the area of 4th & Jackson on reports of shots fired. No injuries have been reported & there’s not believed to be a threat to the public at this time. Detective Bureau is on scene. Please avoid the area, as the investigation is active.”
Today at approximately 1 pm, HPD responded to the area of 4th & Jackson on reports of shots fired. No injuries have been reported & there’s not believed to be a threat to the public at this time. Detective Bureau is on scene. Please avoid the area, as the investigation is active.
— Hoboken Police (@HobokenPD) December 19, 2024
The Hoboken Police Department posted an update shortly after 2:30PM on X, saying that this was NOT a school-related event and that extra officers will be present during dismissal:
While this was NOT a school related event, out of an abundance of caution, @HobokenPD will have extra officers on hand during dismissal at some schools in the area of the ongoing investigation.
More information will be released if/when it becomes available. https://t.co/5HbvpuQu2Q
— Hoboken Police (@HobokenPD) December 19, 2024
As of 3PM, an adult male is in custody in connection with the reports of shots fired at 4th & Jackson:
UPDATE: An adult male is now in custody, in connection with the reports of shots fired at 4th & Jackson. Since its still an active investigation, we ask residents to continue to avoid the area. Reminder: extra officers may be at nearby schools for dismissal as a precaution. https://t.co/DwkfASD8DJ
— Hoboken Police (@HobokenPD) December 19, 2024
The Hoboken Police Department provided an update just before 3PM on Friday, December 20th via a press release, saying that a Kearny man, 18-year-old Elias Mercado, has been arrested for attempted murder following reports of shots being fired.
No injuries have been reported.
This is a developing story. This post will be updated with any further details.
Things to Do in Hoboken + JC Instead of Scrolling TikTok (If It Gets Banned)
While the country patiently awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on whether to ban TikTok on January 19th, we Hoboken + Jersey City residents will have plenty to do to replace all of that scroll time and unplug. Here at The Hoboken Girl, we’re thinking positively and embracing the pending change to use this as a time to reconnect with ourselves, our hobbies, our passions, and even our community — something the world could use a little more of right now. Keep reading for an extensive list of what to do with all your time in Hoboken and Jersey City if TikTok gets banned.
For Self-Care Gurus
Book a spa service (like a facial or massage) at Woodhouse Spa, Salvation Wellness, Alivio Wellness, Gaia’s Cavern, Skin by EC, Studio 17, or SoJo Spa.
Try a sensory deprivation float tank experience or Scalar Lightwave Therapy at Om. Life Wellness.
Try cryotherapy, compression therapy, LED light therapy, and more at Zen Om Studio.
Listen to a guided meditation or inspiring podcast while getting a mani-pedi at one of your favorite local salons.
Visit Chrissy The Crystal Indigo for healing work, an aura reading, or a tarot reading. Plus shop around for amazing metaphysical items.
Get an IV Drip for an extra boost at Hoboken Drip Lounge.
Try acupuncture for an overall wellness boost.
Visit a local dispensary for a little extra relaxation.
Read More: 10 Hoboken + Jersey City Creators You Can Shop From Online
For Foodies
Take a cooking class at Hudson Table.
Explore dozens of mocktail creations at local eateries.
Get your handmade chocolate fix at Lepore’s or Lee Sims.
Go on a self-guided hot chocolate tour.
Make your own sushi at Saku.
Visit Van Hook for a gourmet grilled cheese or decadent, customized charcuterie board.
Take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and go on a self-guided coffee tour. (Yes, we have a spot for each stop!)
For Creatives
Work with your hands by taking a pottery class at Blue Skies, Clay Studio, or Betty’s Ceramics Club.
Design your own colorful creation at Tipsy Tie Dye.
Learn the art of shoemaking and design your very own pair of shoes at Hoboken Shoedio.
Tap into your inner fashion designer and sew your own clothes at Galastella Studio.
Craft a designer-quality handbag Youssoufiani.
Try a paint and sip or woodworking class from our local activities guide.
Visit Dirty Hippie Studio to stock up on affordable art supplies and shop creations from local artists.
For Readers
Shop around a local bookstore like WORD, Symposia, or Little City Books to find some new reads.
Visit one of Hoboken + Jersey City’s public library branches and grab a library card. (Check out the New Jersey Room at the Priscilla Gardner Library in Jersey City + the Library of Things at the Hoboken Library Main Branch.)
Participate in the Completely Booked Book Swap on January 30th.
Cozy up in a local coffee shop with your next read.
Join a local book club.
For Fitness Lovers
Unwind with a yoga or meditation class.
Let it all out and go axe-throwing with friends.
Mix things up with a unique workout class. (Think rowing, dancing, kickboxing, and more.)
Sign up and begin training for the next Jersey City Marathon happening on April 13th, 2025.
For Fashionistas
Shop small at one of Hoboken + Jersey City’s many boutiques.
Go on a self-guided vintage/thrift shopping tour.
Grab a fresh magazine like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and more at Davis Stationery. (You can even use it for vision boarding when you’re done!)
Check out new stores that joined the neighborhood.
For Lovers of the Arts
Attend a show at White Eagle Hall.
Grab a ticket for an upcoming show at Jersey City Theater Center or Mile Square Theatre.
Visit the Liberty Science Center, Hoboken Museum, or MORA Art Museum.
Catch a movie at your local movie theater.
Do a self-guided art crawl to admire the many murals of Hoboken + Jersey City.
Visit a local art gallery.
For Adventurers
Take a Top Rope Belay Certification class at The Gravity Vault.
Go on a self-guided walking tour of Hoboken. (Bonus: try our Frank Sinatra walking tour).
Go on a self-guided tour of one of Jersey City’s many neighborhoods such as Jersey City Heights, Paulus Hook, or Journal Square.
Walk along the waterfront and take photos of your findings.
Take the ferry to NYC for a waterfront adventure.
See More: What’s Filming in Montclair + Essex County? An Ongoing List of Movies + TV Shows
For Social Butterflies
Check our events guides for hundreds (yes, hundreds) of things to do every week.
Invite visitors to town and show them around to remind yourself of all the reasons to love Hoboken + Jersey City.
Join a co-working space to mix up your day-to-day or hone in on a creative project.
Get involved in local volunteer opportunities.
Seek out local networking opportunities.
Join Hive Athletic or Volo Sports for some group sports fun.
Post in our Hoboken + Jersey City Insiders FB Group for local meetups.
