Hundreds of spectators at a Fourth of July fireworks display in Philadelphia fled for safety when shots rang out, leaving behind strollers and other belongings as they did so. Many believed someone was shooting into the crowd.
Shortly after the rally began on Monday in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum, shots were fired, injuring two Philadelphia police officers who were working the event. The incident occurred only a few hours after a holiday shooting in a Chicago suburb left at least 30 people injured and seven dead.
In Philadelphia, witnesses reported seeing some people being run over or bumped into as they attempted to escape the densely packed crowd. Many of these fleeing individuals ran through or over metal fences that had been erected for crowd control. Despite numerous persons reporting having scrapes and bruises, there were no significant injuries reported during the commotion.
The origin of the shots and the number that were fired have not yet been established by investigators. It’s also not clear if someone shot at the officers on purpose or if they were unintentionally discharged in celebration of the occasion. There have been no detentions.
One of the officers was shot in the forehead, and the bullet, according to authorities, was discovered in the officer’s hat. The other officer was shot in the shoulder. Both officers received hospital treatment before being released.
Jim Kenney, the mayor of Philadelphia, later voiced disappointment with efforts to impose stricter gun legislation.
“This is a pro-gun nation. It’s absurd. The world’s most militarised nation is also one of the least secure, according to Kenney. “I’m constantly expecting the worst to occur.”
A $20,000 prize for information leading to an arrest was announced by the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 on Tuesday.
