3 injured in shooting during Eid celebration in US

Published April 11, 2024
Three people were injured in a shooting at Eid celebrations in
Philadelphia. — Photo courtesy Associated Press
Three people were injured in a shooting at Eid celebrations in Philadelphia. — Photo courtesy Associated Press

A shooting between rival groups left three people wounded during Eidul Fitr celebrations on Wednesday, police in the US city of Philadelphia said.

Police gave no indication that the event itself was targeted.

“We are very, very fortunate today that we did not have more individuals shot and anyone killed,” Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel told reporters.

In mid-afternoon as around 1,000 people were in the park celebrating the end of Ramazan, around 30 gunshots rang out, Bethel said.

“What we do know is there appear to be two factions within the park, who are now exchanging gunfire,” Bethel said.

Three people were wounded, including an armed 15-year-old who was shot by police. He was hit in the arm and leg.

Five people were arrested including the teen, and five guns were recovered, police said.

“Eid should always be a time of joy for our Muslim neighbors. And I grieve for every member of the Philadelphia Muslim community whose celebration was shattered by gun violence today,” Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L Parker reaffirmed support for the Muslim community. “Every community of faith has the absolute right and need to worship in peace,” she said on X.

“We stand united with the Muslim community, and vow to work together to restore balance and light to our communities,” Parker added.

Opinion

Editorial

Furtive measures
Updated 07 Sep, 2024

Furtive measures

The entire electoral exercise has become riddled with controversy, yet ECP seems unwilling to address the lingering questions about the polls.
PCB hot seat
Updated 07 Sep, 2024

PCB hot seat

MOHSIN Naqvi is facing criticism from all quarters. Pakistan’s cricket board chief, who is also the country’s...
Rapes most foul
07 Sep, 2024

Rapes most foul

UNTIL the full force of the law is applied on perpetrators, insecurity will stalk Pakistan’s girl children and...
Positive overtures
Updated 06 Sep, 2024

Positive overtures

It is hoped politicians refusing to frame Balochistan’s problems in black and white is taken as a positive overture by the province's people.
Capital poll delay
06 Sep, 2024

Capital poll delay

THE ECP has cancelled the local government elections in Islamabad for the third time subsequent to a recent ...
Perks galore
06 Sep, 2024

Perks galore

A parasitic bureaucracy still upholds colonial customs whereby a struggling citizenry and flood victims are subservient to status.