Several people were identified and five suspects were arrested after gunfire erupted during an Eid celebration in Philadelphia, where about 1,000 people had gathered to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
The suspects include three men, a woman and a 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed by police when he refused to drop his weapon.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel told media that the suspects were arrested after “youths actively engaged in gunfire” near the Eid al-Fitr celebration at Clara Muhammad Square.
The police were checking cars parked at a nearby gas station when shots rang out around 2:30 p.m. About 30 shots were fired, according to Bethel.
He said the shooting occurred between “two factions” at the event, which was held near the Masjid mosque in Philadelphia.
Five people were arrested and several injured were reported after gunfire broke out during an Eid al-Fitr event in Philadelphia.
The suspects include three men and a woman who tried to flee the scene, as well as a 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed by police when he refused to drop his weapon.
Among the injured were a 22-year-old who was shot in the stomach, a teenager who was shot in the hands and a little girl who was accidentally hit by a police car.
Three men and a woman attempted to flee the scene but were quickly arrested by police, who recovered four weapons.
An officer spotted the 15-year-old holding a gun and ordered him to drop it twice before opening fire, hitting him in the leg and shoulder.
She loaded the injured teen into her patrol car and took him to a nearby hospital, where he was in stable condition Wednesday evening.
A total of five weapons were recovered at the scene.
“When we see individuals arguing and clashing, often they don’t care where they see themselves,” Bethel said.
“In this case, clearly, they saw something happening in the park. Which caused two factions to take out their guns and shoot each other.
A 22-year-old man identified as Nhashon Tawfiq Richards was shot in the stomach, while another teenager was shot in the hands.
Bethel noted that a child was struck by a police vehicle while trying to flee and suffered a broken leg.
“We clearly send our prayers to him and his family,” the police commissioner said.
“That is not our goal and we will make sure to follow up with her and her family to let them know.”
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said “young people” had “shot” and described the violence as occurring between “two factions.”
A shell casing is found at the scene of the shooting, which broke out during an end-of-Ramadan celebration in Clara Muhammad Square
The 15-year-old boy shot by police was shot in the leg and shoulder. He was in stable condition at a local hospital Wednesday evening.
About 1,000 people were at the event to celebrate the end of Ramadan, a holy month where devout Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
Nhashon Tawfiq Richards (far left) shot in the stomach amid chaos
He praised civilians who “caught the children and got them out of danger” and said it was “very, very lucky” that there were no casualties.
“I’ve been through this event and we know that the majority, 99 percent of the people at this event are good people who wanted to have a good time,” Bethel said.
“And once again we have young people firing shots that have really destroyed the sanctity of what happened.”
Around 1,000 people were present at the event to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
Attendees included NBA player Mo Bamba and council member Jamie Gauthier, who represents Philadelphia’s Third District.
Eid al-Fitr, which translates to “Feast of Breaking the Fast,” follows a month of daily fasting from sunrise to sunset for devout Muslims.
Corey Taylor, the father of the injured 22-year-old, told NBC10 he was “tired of all this violence and all this nonsense.”
“We can do better as a people, like all Homo sapiens, human beings,” Taylor said.
“That we must do better, love each other and that we can all live in prosperity, peace and harmony and stop hating each other.
“People’s lives are priceless. Appreciate and value your life. I love my son. I love my children. I like the company. Anyone can take back control of their life. Everyone can do it ! »
NBA player Mo Bamba, backup center for the Philadelphia 76ers, was among those in attendance at the event.
Among those attending the event were local politicians, including city councilor Jamie Gauthier.
The shooting remains under a collaborative investigation by local law enforcement, the ATF and the FBI.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman ordered an increased police presence at county mosques as a safety precaution.
Movita Johnson-Harrell, a Philadelphia-based motivational speaker, was handing out candy and Eid gifts when gunshots rang out.
“It was, for the most part, a beautiful celebration,” she said on a Facebook Live filmed from inside her car.
“If these children knew what Islam was, they wouldn’t fight. Islam is a religion of peace. We are one community.
Local leaders sent messages to community members following the senseless violence.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he had ordered an increased police presence at area mosques as a safety precaution.
“While there is no direct threat to Nassau County due to the shootings in Philadelphia, I have ordered increased patrols around mosques throughout the county to protect our residents,” Blakeman said in a statement .
“The public is reminded to call 911 immediately if they see or hear anything threatening or suspicious.”
Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey tweeted and urged residents to “stay safe and listen to law enforcement” in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The shooting remains under investigation. Local law enforcement is working with federal partners, including the ATF and FBI.
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