A shooting at a playground in north Philadelphia has left two men dead and two others critically wounded, prompting a citywide search for five suspects. The incident occurred at the 8th and Diamond basketball courts, where a group of people had gathered on Friday evening. According to the police, five males opened fire on the group before fleeing the scene. Two of the victims passed away from their injuries, and two other victims are currently in critical condition at Temple Medical Center.
The shooting took place at the 8th and Diamond basketball courts in north Philadelphia on Friday evening. Five males approached a group of people gathered at the playground and opened fire before quickly fleeing the scene. Nyreese Moore, 22, and Naasir Folk, 24, were fatally shot, while a 23-year-old man and a 21-year-old man sustained critical injuries. The 23-year-old man was shot twice in the abdomen and the 21-year-old man shot in the head, leg, and knee. The victims were then rushed to Temple Medical Center for treatment.
In the wake of the tragic incident, Mayor Jim Kenney expressed his horror and extended his prayers to the victims and their families. He also announced a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the suspects’ arrests. The Parks and Recreation Department employees’ union has been advocating for increased security measures at playgrounds, including the presence of security guards, social workers, and therapists. However, their requests have not received funding from the mayor’s office.
Mayor Kenney stated that the city has installed over 100 new security cameras around recreation centers and will make therapy services available to address the trauma caused by such incidents. He emphasized the city’s commitment to working with the police department and parks and recreation to enhance security, prevention, and surveillance measures in and around recreation centers.