Gunfire erupted at a festive gathering in Philadelphia, resulting in multiple injuries, according to the authorities.
On Wednesday afternoon, a disturbing incident took place in the Parkside neighborhood during an Eid al-Fitr event. This event, which witnessed the participation of around 1,000 individuals, celebrated the end of Ramadan, the sacred month of fasting in the Islamic faith.
According to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, a violent altercation erupted at the outdoor gathering as two groups clashed and began shooting at each other. Approximately 30 shots were fired during the incident.
A 22-year-old individual sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach during the incident, while a juvenile took themselves to the hospital after being shot in the hand. According to Bethel, both individuals are currently in stable condition.
During the event, an officer reportedly shot a 15-year-old boy who was believed to be carrying a gun, as mentioned by Bethel. The teenager sustained injuries to his shoulder and leg and was immediately taken to the hospital by the officer. The firearm was successfully retrieved by the officer during the incident.
According to Bethel, a child suffered a fractured leg after being struck by a police officer’s car while responding to the incident.
According to Bethel, law enforcement officials have arrested five individuals in relation to the shooting incident. These individuals consist of the 15-year-old who was shot by the officer, as well as four suspects, three of whom are juveniles and one who is an adult. Bethel further revealed that the suspects fled the scene with firearms, but all five weapons have been recovered.
The motive for the incident remains unknown, according to Bethel.
Bethel commended the courageous individuals in the park who swiftly took action to protect children and move them to safety. He expressed gratitude that there were no additional injuries or fatalities resulting from the shooting incident.
Bethel emphasized that the vast majority of attendees, approximately 99%, were well-intentioned individuals seeking to enjoy themselves at the event.
The authorities are currently investigating the shooting incident. Local law enforcement is working together with federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI, to gather information and find out what happened.
An attendee vividly recounted the chaotic scene to Philadelphia ABC station WPVI.
As she spoke to the station, she vividly described the chaotic scene she had witnessed. “I just witnessed a frenzy of people running and panicking,” she recounted. “Strollers were overturned, and the sound of screams filled the air.”
“People scattered in all directions as if they were caught in the midst of an elephant stampede,” she went on to say.