Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Three individuals sustained gunshot wounds, and a child was struck by a law enforcement vehicle during a violent incident at a Philadelphia park on Wednesday afternoon. The chaos unfolded as around 1,000 people had gathered at Clara Muhammad Square to commemorate the conclusion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, according to the police.
Kevin Bethel, the Philadelphia police commissioner, disclosed during a news briefing that two factions engaged in gunfire exchange at the park around 2:30 p.m. Reports indicate that approximately 30 shots were fired during the altercation.
Bethel also mentioned that law enforcement officers apprehended four individuals leaving the West Philadelphia park while armed. Additionally, a 15-year-old boy, who had been shot by an officer in the leg and shoulder, was taken into custody. The teenager, who was carrying a gun at the time of the incident, is said to be in stable condition after receiving medical attention.
An investigation is currently underway regarding the officer-involved shooting, as per Bethel’s statements.
Furthermore, Bethel stated that two other individuals, a 22-year-old with a gunshot wound to the stomach and a juvenile with a hand injury, are both in stable condition. Unfortunately, a young child suffered a leg fracture when a police vehicle responding to the scene accidentally struck her.
The celebratory gathering turned chaotic amidst the gunfire, forcing attendees to quickly move children to safety in an attempt to avoid further harm.
Community members expressed shock and dismay over the violence, with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker visiting the scene to engage with residents. Various officials, including Katherine Gilmore Richardson, a City Council member, offered thoughts and prayers for the victims and the Muslim community in Philadelphia.
Corey Taylor, who identified himself as the father of the 22-year-old gunshot victim, voiced his frustration with the ongoing violence and urged for a collective effort to strive for better outcomes in the future.