Philadelphia mass shooting death toll rises to five as responding officers are praised for bravery
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Officers responding to a shooting spree that unfolded in the Kingsessing neighborhood of Philadelphia on Monday evening, July 3, were lauded for their swift response. The authorities believe the incident resulted in the deaths of five individuals and has left two children injured. The suspect, who was apprehended by the police, was found in possession of a bulletproof vest, an AR-15-style rifle, and a handgun.
Initially, authorities reported four fatalities, but on Tuesday morning, July 4, they announced the discovery of a fifth body in the same neighborhood, likely connected to the shooting spree. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle M Outlaw revealed in a news conference that the shooting rampage occurred across several blocks in Kingsessing. The scenes were scattered with numerous shell casings, and several vehicles sustained damage from gunfire.
Who is the Philadelphia mass shooting suspect?
The identity of the suspect has not yet been disclosed at the time of this report. However, Commissioner Outlaw did mention that the suspect was around 40 years old. When the suspect was apprehended following a foot pursuit, law enforcement discovered that he was wearing a bulletproof vest equipped with multiple ammunition magazines. Additionally, he was armed with two guns and a scanner, as confirmed by the commissioner. Another person was taken into custody on Monday night as well, suspected of returning fire, according to Outlaw.
The motive behind the shooting remains a mystery. Commissioner Outlaw stated, "We're canvassing the area to get as much information as we can - to identify witnesses, to locate cameras, and do everything in our power to determine the 'why' behind this incident." Thus far, investigators have found no apparent connection between the victims and the suspect, Outlaw noted. Of the initial four victims, three were men aged 20, 22, and 59, while the age of the fourth victim remains unknown. A fifth victim, a 31-year-old man, was discovered dead in a Kingsessing neighborhood residence early Tuesday morning, several hours after the initial victims were found. City Police Chief Inspector Scott Small confirmed the additional fatality. Outlaw described the conditions of the injured children, aged 2 and 13, as "stable."
Epidemic of mass shootings
The violent episode in Philadelphia is one of at least six mass shootings that have occurred in the United States in the first three days of July. According to the Gun Violence Archive, this incident also adds to the tally of at least 341 mass shootings in the country this year. The Gun Violence Archive considers a mass shooting as an event in which four or more individuals are shot, excluding the shooter. Expressing his condolences, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney tweeted, "This devastating violence must stop. My heart is with the loved ones and families of everyone involved, and I send my prayers to the victims."
Officers lauded for 'bravery and courage'
The shooting came to the attention of police officers around 8:30 pm on Monday, July 3, when they were alerted to the incident in the vicinity. Upon arriving at the scene, the officers discovered multiple victims with gunshot wounds. While attending to the injured victims, they heard additional gunshots emanating from a nearby street, prompting them to respond swiftly. The suspect continued to discharge his firearm as officers pursued him on foot. Eventually, the suspect was cornered and apprehended in an alley. Commissioner 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."
Father discovers fifth victim in residence
Around 12:30 am on Tuesday, July 4, the father of the slain 31-year-old victim discovered his son's lifeless body in the living room of their residence. The father promptly reported the finding to an officer who was in the area investigating the earlier shooting spree. Medical personnel who arrived at the scene pronounced the 31-year-old deceased. Chief Inspector Small revealed that investigators found seven rifle rounds inside the house, suggesting a connection between this death and the previous victims. Later on, authorities plan to conduct a thorough search of the residence with a warrant. Chief Inspector Small indicated, "If this is, in fact, related to the six individuals that were shot earlier...we believe we have the shooter in custody." The investigation continues, per CNN.