At Least Three Killed, 11 Wounded Following Philadelphia Mass Shooting
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Featured Image Credit: 6ABC Action News/WPVI
A mass shooting in Philadelphia has seen 14 people shot, with at least three dead according to police.
The shooting took place on the 200 block of South Street, blocks away from where celebrations were taking place for the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia's first Gay Pride Day, just before midnight last night, 4 June.
The gunfire was heard by police who were out on patrol.
BREAKING: Police confirm 3 people are now dead in a shooting that happened at busy 4th and South Streets in Philadelphia at 11:31p. A total of 13 people were struck by gunfire. Conditions are unknown. A motive is also unknown. @CBSPhilly
— Joe Holden (@JoeHoldenCBS3) June 5, 2022
In a news conference held early this morning, 5 June, Inspector D. F. Pace reported that several active shooters were spotted by patrol officers firing into a crowd.
He said: "There were hundreds of individuals just enjoying South Street, as they do every single weekend, when the shooting broke out."
Philadelphia Police quickly took to social media to warn locals to stay away from the area.
The post read: "*Alert* Emergency personnel are responding to a shooting incident in the area of 3rd and South Streets. Several people have been injured. Please avoid the area."
*Alert* Emergency personnel are responding to a shooting incident in the area of 3rd and South Streets. Several people have been injured. Please avoid the area.
— Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) June 5, 2022
A patrol officer fired at one of the suspects, and one suspect did reportedly sustain a gunshot wound, however it is unclear if this was the result of the officer's gunfire.
The suspect then quickly fled the scene, ditching their weapon as they took off, with the police saying a gun was recovered between Third and Second Streets at South Street and American Street.
Inspector Pace said two semi-automatic handguns were also discovered by police.
Spanning from 200 block to 300 block of South street, multiple shell casings were also retrieved.
Officers heard gunfire erupt shortly before midnight at 2nd & South. Multiple shooters. An officer fired at one shooter from 10-15 yards while shooter was actively firing into crowd. Shooter then dropped a handful w/ extended mag - 1 of 2 recovered. Unclear if shooter was hit.
— Max M. Marin (@MaxMMarin) June 5, 2022
Joe Smith was waiting outside Theatre of the Living Arts on south Street at the time of the incident.
The 23-year-old told The Philadelphia Inquirer that he heard screams erupting just before midnight. "Once it started I didn’t think it was going to stop. There was guttural screaming. I just heard screams," he said.
Saturday night in Philadelphia. A mass shooting on 4th & South Street with reports of nearly a dozen people shot. I’m on scene where police have cordoned off the popular weekend strip, a trail of what appears to be blood snaking along the sidewalk in front of a Rita’s Water Ice. pic.twitter.com/mkUoTvgy2I
— Max M. Marin (@MaxMMarin) June 5, 2022
Eric Walsh was closing up O’Neals' outdoor seating area when he saw the aftermath of the shooting.
He said: "People were coming off the street with blood splatters on white sneakers and skinned knees and skinned elbows.
"We literally just were balling up napkins and wetting them and handing them to people... it was chaos."
Looks like shooting travelled down South Street — signs of pandemonium stretching several blocks. Broken car window glass. Knocked over trashcans. pic.twitter.com/Wg3GVURFFj
— Max M. Marin (@MaxMMarin) June 5, 2022
Inspector Pace confirmed that out of the 14 people who were shot, three have died from their injuries.
Police said one of the deceased is a 22-year-old man and another a 25-year-old woman.
Seven of those wounded are reported as having been taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Meanwhile, five others, alongside the suspect who was shot, were taken to Pennsylvania Hospital.
PPD Inspector D.F. Pace confirms 14 people shot, 3 dead. pic.twitter.com/u4IaZ6aaBK
— Max M. Marin (@MaxMMarin) June 5, 2022
The investigation remains active.
Surveillance footage from businesses located in the area is reportedly set to be analysed today.
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