NBC NEWS
A shooting during a Ramadan event Wednesday afternoon in Philadelphia left three people wounded and five suspects have been arrested, police said.
The incident occurred about 2:30 p.m. at the at the Clara Muhammad Square on 47th Street and Wyalusing Avenue in West Philadelphia, according to NBC Philadelphia.
There appeared to be two factions exchanging gunfire in the park and responding police officers observed four people fleeing the scene, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel told reporters. He said about 30 gunshots erupted in a park where about 1,000 people were gathered.
“We are very, very fortunate today that we did not have more individuals shot and anyone killed,” Bethel said. He lauded police and attendees for their bravery and actions. He said some at the event “grabbed kids and got them out of harm’s way. It was a collective effort today for those who are attending the event as well as our police officers.”
One of the officers engaged a 15-year-old male who had a weapon and shot him in the shoulder and leg, Bethel said.
Three individuals were shot — one by exchange of gunfire likely before police arrived, one by police gunfire, and a child who was shot in the hand from unknown gunfire — Bethel said.
Police recovered five guns, Bethel said.
