Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A shocking incident unfolded in Philadelphia’s Burholme neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon, leaving eight high school students injured after being shot at a SEPTA bus stop. The gunfire erupted at Rising Sun and Cottman avenues as students from Northeast High School were waiting for the bus.
According to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, the students, aged between 15 and 17, were caught in the crossfire when three gunmen exited a vehicle near a Dunkin’ store and opened fire. One 16-year-old boy was critically injured after being shot nine times, with seven other victims, including two 15-year-olds, four 16-year-olds, and a 17-year-old, sustaining injuries but listed in stable condition.
Authorities reported that over 30 shots were fired at the scene, with police now on the lookout for three shooters and a driver in a dark blue Hyundai sedan with paper tags. The suspects, all masked, were last seen driving towards Cheltenham Township over the Tookany Creek Bridge.
The incident has left the community in shock and disbelief, with one witness from a nearby diner recounting the harrowing sight of several juveniles wounded. This act of violence marks the fourth shooting involving a SEPTA bus in less than a week, prompting Commissioner Bethel to announce a significant increase in police presence along their corridors across the city to address the escalating gun violence.
The recent wave of shootings has prompted Philadelphia School District Superintendent Tony Watlington to deploy crisis counselors at the school to provide support for impacted students. Mayor Cherelle Parker, in a news conference following the incident, expressed determination in taking action against these acts of violence, emphasizing the city’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to ensure public safety.
In response to the concerning trend of violence involving SEPTA buses, authorities have urged anyone with information on the shootings to come forward and assist in the investigation. As the community grapples with the aftermath of these incidents, there is a collective call for action to address the root causes of gun violence and prevent further tragedies from occurring.