More than a dozen people were shot during a Philadelphia mass shooting. The sudden attack in the community of Greys Ferry claimed three lives in the early hours of Monday morning. Ten other victims were rushed to the hospital with injuries, bringing the total to 13. Shortly before 1 a.m., bullets rained down on the 1500 block of South 27th Street, according to Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.
Among the dead were three young men: a 23-year-old shot in the chest, a 19-year-old struck in the head, and a 24-year-old who suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the back. Their lives were cut short within moments of the shooting.
As for the injured, the victims ranged in age from 15 to 24. Two teenagers, a 17-year-old male and a 15-year-old female, were among those hurt. The female was treated at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, though details on where she was shot remain unclear. Another 19-year-old male remains in critical condition after being hit twice in the head.
According to Commissioner Bethel, officers were keeping a close watch in the area before the mass shooting occurred. On separate occasions, there were instances of large gatherings, loud music, and multiple arrests. This led to cops monitoring the vicinity.
Cops were previously dispatched nearby when reports of disturbances were made on Sunday night. While officers were handling this separate incident, they heard gunshots coming from South 27th Street.
Authorities believe around 40 people were at the scene during the attack. Evidence collected at the scene, including numerous shell casings, suggests there may have been an exchange of gunfire, according to Bethel. One person in possession of a weapon was detained by police, but their connection to the shooting remains under investigation.
The incident marks a violent start to the Fourth of July week in Philadelphia, which has already seen multiple shootings and six homicides. Notably, the city’s overall homicide and shooting rates have declined compared to last year.
