Philadelphia Eid event shooting updates: Three shot and five arrested at end of Ramadan festival
Five individuals have been arrested, authorities said
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Three individuals were shot and five have been arrested after gunfire broke out at a Ramadan event in West Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon, prompting police to flock to the scene.
A 15-year-old was shot by a police officer, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said, adding that the teen is now in stable condition.
Authorities also said that one of their police patrol wagons accidentally struck a child.
The incident occurred around 2.30pm during an event where hundreds had gathered to celebrate the holiday near Wyalusing Avenue in Philadelphia, Fox29 reports.
The police commissioner said that they have seized four guns from those five arrests.
It’s unclear what prompted the shooting; Mr Bethel said he believed two groups exchanged gunfire.
A witness described the harrowing events to WPVI before lamenting the prevelance of gun violence: “You can’t even have a celebration without having to worry about somebody getting shot.”
Congressman Dwight Evans, who represents West Philadelphia, said in a tweet: “Gun violence is never acceptable, but to see it victimize people who gathered for a Ramadan event or any religious event is especially heartbreaking.”
“We must all continue working for change, because thoughts & prayers are not enough,” he added.
ICYMI: Multiple people shot during Eid festival in Philadelphia
At least three people have been shot and five have been arrested, after a shooting occurred at an Eid al-Fitr event in West Philadelphia, according to city police.
Local sources said the incident occurred during a festival where around 1,000 people had gathered to celebrate the holiday near Wyalusing Avenue in Philadelphia.
Here’s the full story:
Multiple people shot during Eid festival in Philadelphia
A 15-year-old with a gun was reportedly shot by police
In pictures: Aftermath of Ramadan festival shooting in Philadelphia
Watch: West Philadelphia sheriff update on shooting after multiple injured at Eid event
Young girl fractured leg after being hit by police vehicle
Philadelphia Commissioner Kevin Bethel said that a young girl had been accidentally struck by a police vehicle during authorities rapid response and had suffered a fractured leg.
“Clearly we send our prayers out to her and her family,” he said.
“That is not our intended purpose and we will make sure we will be following up with her and her family to let them know that.”
Man who claims to be shooting victim’s father condemns violence in Philadelphia
One of the men shot during the incident in Philadelphia was identified by a family member as Nhashon Tawfiq Richards. Richards was shot in the stomach according to police.
Corey Taylor told NBC10 that he was Richard’s father, and that his son was responsive and undergoing surgery.
“I’m tired of all the violence and the nonsense that’s going on. We can do better as a people, as all Homo sapiens, human beings,” Mr Taylor told the outlet.
“That we need to do better, love one another and we all can live in prosperity, peace and harmony and stop hating one another. Over what someone else got or dislike over a female or some type of hood affiliation or whatever. It’s stupid. And it’s nonsense.
“People’s lives are priceless. Appreciate and value your life. I love my son. I love my children. I love society. Anyone can get their life together. Anyone can.”
Young girl fractured leg after being hit by police vehicle
Philadelphia Commissioner Kevin Bethel said that a young girl had been accidentally struck by a police vehicle during authorities rapid response and had suffered a fractured leg.
“Clearly we send our prayers out to her and her family,” he said.
“That is not our intended purpose and we will make sure we will be following up with her and her family to let them know that.”
Pennsylvania Democratic Rep Chrissy Houlahan says she is ‘ heartbroken’ over shooting
Commissioner says those involved in shooting 'destroyed sanctity of event’
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said that those who were involved in Wednesday’s shooting at the Ramadan festival had “destroyed the sanctity” of the event.
“I walked through this event and we know that the majority, 99 per cent of the individuals at this event, are good people who wanted to have a good time,” Mr Bethel said. “And once again we have young people engaging in gunfire who just really destroyed the sanctity of what happened.”
The responding officers spotted three men and a woman who were running away from the scene. Those four people were stopped by the officers who recovered four weapons, investigators said.