A Philadelphia police officer was shot in the head on Saturday evening as President Donald Trump was delivered remarks at Temple University. The officer was shot in Kensington at around 8 pm and is in critical condition. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male who had cornrows in his hair. Per Action News, he was last seen near G Street and Tioga.
Steve Keeley of local Fox affiliate 29 reported that the officer was taken to Temple University Hospital and that a woman who was believed to be with the suspect in the shooting was taken into custody and was transported to the homicide division. Keley said that she was taken “into custody a half mile from the shooting scene on Wishart Street.”
The 31-year-old officer was a six-year-veteran of the police force and is believed to have undergone surgery for his wounds.
“Lots of @PhillyPolice & Philadelphia city officials gathering in&outside the @TempleUniv Hospital Emergency entrance where a Philadelphia Police officer was rushed by partner after officer was “shot in the head behind the ear” sources told me before 8pm on F,” Keeley reported.
He further reported that a news conference would be held by police at Temple Hospital. “Right now,” he Keeley reported, “police may have a location on shooter of the officer. ‘He is still armed, A nearby homeowner says man fitting description of police officer shooter forced his way into his home. SWAT there now.'” He later reported that the suspect was taken into custody on the 800 block of Schiller Street.
2/2 A news conference is expected outside emergency entrance tonight. Right now police may have a location on shooter of the officer. “He is still armed, A nearby homeowner says man fitting description of police officer shooter forced his way into his home. SWAT there now.” pic.twitter.com/QpYP4u7nZ4
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) June 23, 2024
Keely reported that the officer was shot “after an initial car stop.”
BREAKING UPDATE #6
Multiple @PhillyPolice sources tell the police officer was shot after an initial car stop. The police then called the @PhilaParking Authority and when PPA tow arrived to take vehicle is when shooting occured. Suspected Shooter changed from white T-shirt after. pic.twitter.com/2cFlO6KOkp— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) June 23, 2024
After the officers pulled over the car, they eyed a gun holster. One of the occupants of the vehicle fled on foot. The officers gave chase and the man fired, striking one of the officers. The officer’s partner fired back. The Parking Authority was called in to tow the vehicle. The suspect was aprehended, and the others in the car were also taken into police custody.
“It is not lost on me that today a husband, a father and a son met his partner and went to work to do a job that he’s been doing for about six and a half years. He didn’t expect that he would be in a fight for his life right now,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said. Parker campaigned on a promise to get tough on crime.
Today, a husband and a father woke up, prepared to do a job he had done for the past 6 and ½ years, serving the City of Philadelphia.
A noble effort to protect and serve our city.
That Police Officer is now on life support. On a breathing machine.
Fighting for his life. https://t.co/AkAYj5u6vl— Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (@PhillyMayor) June 23, 2024
The Democrats 13% at it again. If they’d stop shooting people the gun crime stats would fall by 90%
Law should be passed. Shot and kill police officer. Automatic Death penalty. Fair trial. Followed by a first class hanging (public).
This is another sick movement on the damn thugs. How dare they even get away with taking a life and especially an officer. They should just hang him because he is a sick hateful individual. Turns your stomach. I hope the Policeman makes it through.