5 killed, 2 children hurt in Philly shooting. Suspect caught.

Jeffrey CawoodJuly 4, 2023

Mass Shooting in Philadelphia Leaves Five Dead and Two Injured

A suspect is in custody after a horrifying mass shooting in Philadelphia on Monday night. The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of at least five people and left two children injured.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, authorities apprehended a 40-year-old man about ten minutes after the shooting occurred. The suspect was reportedly wearing a ballistic vest and was found with an “AR-style” rifle, a police scanner, and extra ammunition. Other local news outlets confirmed that the man also had a handgun.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw expressed her shock, stating, “We have absolutely no idea why this happened. At this point, all we know is that this person left their home and decided to target individuals.”

Outlaw revealed that the gunfire erupted around 8:30 pm in the Kingsessing section of the Southwest part of the city. Police swiftly responded to the scene and discovered approximately 50 spent shell casings. As they pursued the suspect, the sound of gunfire continued. Eventually, law enforcement apprehended the suspect in an alley, successfully arresting him without any shots being fired by the police.

Outlaw commended the bravery and courage displayed by the responding officers, stating, “Thank God our officers were here on the scene, they responded as quickly as they did. I can’t even describe the level of bravery and courage that was shown in addition to the restraint.”

The victims have been identified as five men aged between 20 and 59. Additionally, a two-year-old and a 13-year-old boy were injured in the incident but are reportedly in stable condition.

Initially, reports indicated that four people had been killed. However, four hours after the shooting, a fifth victim was discovered inside a home. Police believe this homicide is related to the mass shooting based on the location of the victim and the ballistic evidence found.

Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Horrified by the reports of a shooting in Southwest Philadelphia. My heart is with the loved ones and families of everyone involved, and I send my prayers to the victims.”

Outlaw also revealed that another individual who allegedly fired at the gunman during the shooting was also arrested.