NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — The director of New Brunswick’s police department has called the Rutgersfest at Rutgers University the “the worst thing of the year for the city of New Brunswick.” The festival, an annual day-long free event, ended with two shootings, five injuries and 11 disorderly conduct-related arrests.
None of the incidents occurred on the university campus, but police say Rutgersfest – which drew a crowd of between 40,000 and 50,000 attendees – was the cause, the Star-Ledger reports. University officials claim to have met with police prior to the event and increased security.
The event ended at 8 p.m. and students were transported by shuttle buses to College Avenue, the location of several parties. After midnight, an 18-year-old was shot twice in the legs outside a nearby bar; later, two brothers were shot near College Avenue. All of the victims survived; none were Rutgers students.
Police Director Pete Mangarella said many of the attendees were high school students. He expressed disbelief that the university would continue to sponsor an event that promotes underage drinking.
University spokesman E.J. Miranda said the university is already in talks with city officials about what steps can be taken going forward.
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