- Shots rang out in a Philadelphia park as thousands assembled nearby for an Eid al-Fitr celebration.
- 3 were injured, including a teenager wounded by law enforcement, with at least five individuals taken into custody.
Several individuals sustained injuries as numerous shots rang out during the Eid ul Fitr gathering in West Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon, where approximately 1,000 people had congregated to commemorate the conclusion of Ramadan.
According to law enforcement officials, the incident occurred near the 4700 block of Wyalusing Avenue, with three individuals being shot. Notably, one of the wounded was reportedly shot by a police officer.
Reports indicate that roughly 30 gunshots were discharged during the altercation. A police officer on duty confronted a 15-year-old, who, as per Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, was allegedly armed with an assault rifle. The officer discharged their weapon twice after the teenager purportedly failed to drop the firearm. Subsequently, the officer swiftly transported the injured teenager to the hospital.
Among the injured was a 23-year-old man who sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach, while another juvenile arrived at a nearby medical facility with a gunshot wound to the hands.
Law enforcement authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with the incident, including three men, one woman, and the 15-year-old who was shot by police. Additionally, five firearms were recovered from the scene.
The event took place in close proximity to the Philadelphia Masjid mosque, situated adjacent to a park, where evidence markers, including marker 30, were placed next to a bullet and a woman’s shoe on the playground, marking it as part of the crime scene.
Eyewitness Najah Bey recounted her experience at the celebration, noting that one of her relatives was among those injured during the shooting. She vividly described the sudden sound of gunfire and the ensuing pandemonium that gripped the scene.
“It’s sad in Philadelphia. It’s sad you can’t even have a celebration without worrying about getting shot,” Bey said.
Abdallah Legh, General Manager of Girard Meat Market said he heard what sounded like three or four shots fired. Anywhere from a dozen to 20 or 30 children came into his store seeking shelter.
I am completely appalled to learn that multiple residents have been injured following a shooting during an Eid al-Fitr event in West Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At-Large). “While Eid marks the end of Ramadan and is meant to be a celebratoryoccasion, families and community members must now deal with yet another senseless shooting. I am praying for the victims, their families, and entire Muslim community in Philadelphia. I will continue working with my colleagues in City Council to see that we invest additional resources in our neighborhoodsso that every community in the City feels safe.”
Police sources have stated that they do not believe the suspects were affiliated with the peaceful festivities surrounding Eid-al-Fitr. However, the investigation is ongoing.
