Update: Philadelphia Police discovered the fifth deceased victim from the mass shooting on South 56th St. inside a residence on the same block after midnight. Prior to this, 36 bullet shells fired by the shooter were found outside. According to a detective, the shooter pursued a 31-year-old man into his home and tragically shot him in the face and torso.
The father of the fifth victim discovered his son deceased on the living room floor. On the enclosed porch, three rifle shells were found, and an additional four rifle rounds were found on the living room floor. It was evident that the 31-year-old victim was fleeing from the mass shooter, who pursued him into his home while firing a rifle.
PHILADELPHIA – According to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, a shooting rampage occurred in Philadelphia on Monday night, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to two children.
The incident unfolded around 8:30 p.m. when officers were alerted by the public at the intersection of 56th and Chester streets.
After discovering gunshot victims and preparing for their transport to the hospital, the police heard additional gunshots near 56th Street and Kingsessing Avenue, according to Outlaw.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers found several expended shell casings and continued to hear gunfire emanating from Frazer Street. It was during this time that law enforcement apprehended the suspected gunman.
According to Outlaw, officers pursued the gunman while he continued to discharge his weapon and ultimately trapped him in a rear alley on the 1600 block of Frazer Street. The authorities successfully apprehended him at that location.
Police reported that the individual was wearing a bulletproof vest fitted with multiple magazines and was armed with an AR-style rifle and a handgun. Additionally, he was found in possession of a scanner at the time of his arrest.
According to the police, the shooting claimed the lives of four men, whose ages range from 20 to 59. Fortunately, the 2-year-old and 13-year-old who were wounded in the incident are in stable condition.
Additionally, another individual who is suspected of possibly retaliating against the gunman during the shooting spree has been taken into custody, as stated by Outlaw.
Outlaw expressed her perplexity, stating, “We have no clue about the motive behind this incident. Currently, all we can ascertain is that the perpetrator left their residence with the intention of targeting individuals.” Outlaw commended the responding officers for their bravery and courage in apprehending the gunman peacefully.
She expressed gratitude, saying, “We are thankful that our officers were present at the scene and responded swiftly. The level of bravery, courage, and restraint displayed is truly indescribable.”
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
Video shows gunman wearing ballistic vest kills 5, injures 2 children in Philadelphia mass shooting