A shooting near an elementary school in the Strawberry Mansion district (Philadelphia, PA) has left seven people injured, including 5 teenagers, a 2-year-old girl and her 31-year-old mother.
The attack took place on Thursday afternoon, the students were leaving an after-school program at the school, when three gunmen dressed in black and wearing hoods got out of a car and shot at them more than 30 times. The teenagers tried to flee back to the schoolyard, however, none of them made it to safety.
The victims included a 31-year-old woman, five teenagers aged 16, 15 and 13, and a 2-year-old girl.
No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting so far. Police confirmed that the three shooters remain at large and are being sought.
In addition, agents assigned to the case have asked for any assistance possible from the public to help contribute to the investigation. Authorities have shared what information they have so far which is that perpetrators were in a gray Hyundai Elantra, four doors, model 2011-2016, with Pennsylvania license plates.
Two-year-old girl and her mother wounded in shooting
All of the wounded are in hospital and reported to be in stable condition, with the exception of a 15-year-old boy who was shot twice in the chest and is currently listed as being in critical condition.
The two-year-old girl was shot in the thigh. Her mother was also wounded by two bullets in the thigh. The 13-year-old boy was shot in the hand, one 16-year-old was shot in the arm, the other 16-year-old was shot in the arm and leg, and the 17-year-old was grazed in the leg.
The teens were students in the School District of Philadelphia.
Mayor offers the $10,000 reward
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney spoke out about the event, stating that "schools and other public spaces must remain safe havens for young people." He also recalled the initiative he launched last August, where he is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who offers "helpful clues about shootings near schools, recreation centers and libraries."
Schools and other public spaces must remain safe havens for youth and the community. It is heartbreaking and infuriating to learn of yet another shooting occurring on or near school grounds. I pray for the victims involved.
Keeping young people safe is our top priority. @PhiladelphiaGov offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone who fires a gun causing injury to others within 500 feet of a school, library, or recreation center. https://t.co/qaGPMFpZfP
— Mayor Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) February 24, 2023
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw released a photograph of the incident to the media and said her department is investigating whether the shooting was targeted:
This has been a fairly quiet part of the 22nd district for quite some time now. At this point, we are gathering all the elements to determine if this is a retaliation, if some of these victims were intentional or not, but it is still too early to tell.
JUST IN: Philly police just released pics of the 3 shooters who fired on a group outside the Blaine school. 7 people hit, inc. a 2-year-old girl + 5 teens. The shots started as the after school program ended, sending the victims running back into the schoolyard for cover. pic.twitter.com/HZi5NPS65q
— Shiba Russell (@ShibaRussell) February 24, 2023
