A lawsuit has been filed in New Jersey Superior Court in Passaic County on behalf of two minors who were seriously injured in a shooting at a school-sponsored football game at Passaic County Technical-Vocational School in 2024.
The complaint, filed by a law firm representing the students and their guardians, alleges the shooting occurred Aug. 30, 2024, on school grounds during a game attended by students, families and members of the public. According to the filing, the two minors were bystanders when an altercation escalated and a former student opened fire, striking both and causing severe injuries.
The lawsuit names the Passaic County Technical-Vocational School Board of Education, along with several administrators and staff members, as defendants. It alleges that school officials failed to properly supervise attendees, prevent a foreseeable threat from entering the event and implement adequate safety measures.
According to the complaint, the alleged shooter had previously been expelled but was able to access the event without sufficient screening or intervention. The filing further claims that school personnel had opportunities to identify and remove the individual before the shooting but failed to act.
“At its core, this case is about preventable harm and a failure to protect children in an environment where they should have been safe,” said Guillermo Gonzalez, an attorney for the plaintiffs. “These two children were innocent bystanders attending a school-sponsored event and, instead of enjoying a community gathering, suffered life-altering injuries.”
Gonzalez said the case centers on alleged lapses in supervision and safety protocols.
“Schools have a fundamental obligation to ensure the safety of students and attendees on their grounds,” he said. “When that duty is neglected, and children are the ones who pay the price, accountability is necessary.”
The lawsuit seeks damages for negligence, violations of the New Jersey Tort Claims Act, and alleged violations of constitutional rights. A jury trial has been requested.
Both students suffered gunshot wounds and continue to experience physical and emotional trauma, according to the complaint.
The case also raises broader concerns about school safety, crowd control and security procedures at public school events, particularly those held outside regular school hours but on school property.
No response from the school district or the named defendants was immediately available.
The case has been assigned number PAS-L-001259-26.
