A man was shot and killed by the police after he fired at three officers and another person in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The shooting was confirmed by Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford on Wednesday night, October 4, 2023. The incident took place on the 7500 block of Whitaker Avenue shortly after 7 pm.
Stanford outlined that a domestic dispute inside the home on Whitaker Avenue was the precursor to the shooting. In the home, the man’s 12-year-old son was engaged in playing a video game. An aspect of the video game seemed to disturb the father, prompting an argument between him, his son, and the child’s uncle.
A gunshot was later heard from within the house. The 12-year-old and his uncle moved upstairs, only to be pursued by the father, who then shot the uncle.
Upon arrival of police officers, the father, positioned at the front of the home, initiated gunfire toward the officers. The officers responded by shooting the man, resulting in his death at the scene.
Commissioner Stanford confirmed that three officers used their firearms during the incident. Two of these officers were injured, and a supervising officer was also among the ones hurt. Two officers sustained injuries to their legs, and a police sergeant was injured in the finger.
The injured officers are now in stable condition at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital. Meanwhile, the uncle, also a victim in the incident, is in critical condition at Abington Hospital.
The identities of the officers involved and the deceased man have not been made public.
Mayor Jim Kenney expressed his gratitude for the officers’ courage and acknowledged the challenges they face.