PHILADELPHIA, PA – A tragic incident unfolded at Philadelphia International Airport where one police officer lost his life and another was injured during a confrontation in the airport’s parking area.
On Thursday, the officers were responding to a reported vehicle break-in at the airport’s parking compound. As they approached the suspected vehicle, assailants opened fire, critically wounding one officer with several shots to the torso and injuring another in the arm.
The critically wounded officer, a 22-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and a family man, tragically passed away at Penn Presbyterian Hospital later that night. The second officer received treatment at Jefferson Hospital and is anticipated to recover.
Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the department’s determination to bring those responsible to justice. Their current lead is a black Dodge Durango that was seen speeding away from the crime scene, breaking through an airport gate.
Mayor Jim Kenney also conveyed his condolences, lamenting the tragic loss of a dedicated officer and offering prayers for the injured officer’s recovery.
District Attorney Larry Krasner addressed the broader issue of gun violence, criticizing politicians he perceives as prioritizing gun lobby interests over public safety and highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in the current political climate.