PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Sources tell Action News that a second bullet has been found at the scene where two police officers were shot during July 4th celebrations in Philadelphia.
The bullet matched one found in the hat of a Philadelphia police patrolman who suffered a laceration to the head, sources said.
From FOP President, John McNesby: He just left the hospital after spending time with injured police officers. He says they are both fine and alert. He says that the angels were with an officer, bruised in the head. The bullet hit his cap. He shared this photo @6abc pic.twitter.com/ZqZcUWoKc1
— Sharifa Jackson 6abc (@SharifaJackson) July 5, 2022
It is not yet known who fired the shots or why. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist.
The award is offered by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5.
The shooting happened shortly after 9:45 p.m. Monday in the 2500 block of Spring Garden while fireworks were still going off.
Sources tell Action News they believe the shooting erupted from a location outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but behind the main stage at Eakins Oval.
Celebrants could be seen running down Ben Franklin Street after the shooting.
A pair of shoes and a baby carriage were among other personal belongings left in the driveway amid the chaos that erupted during last night’s fireworks display. @6abc pic.twitter.com/F4ZnqtqDql
— Chuck Purnell (@ChuckP6abc) July 5, 2022
The injured patrol officer has been identified as Sergio Diggs, 36, a 13-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department.
“It’s a wonder the shell stopped in his hat. Initially, I think it went up the inside, hit his forehead, and then the projectile came to rest in his hat,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Daniel Outlaw said during a press conference shortly after midnight Tuesday.
The second officer, identified as John Foster, 44, a Montgomery County sheriff’s deputy assigned to the bomb squad, suffered a shrapnel wound to the right shoulder.
MCSO Dept. John Foster and a Philadelphia police officer were wounded by gunfire last night while providing security for July 4th celebrations.
Foster and the officer were treated and released from the hospital
The MCSO family thanks you for your well wishes and support. pic.twitter.com/S2xwzIjoTM
— Montco Sheriff (@MontCoPASheriff) July 5, 2022 Foster, a 17-year veteran of the MCSO, has been a member of the bomb squad for three years. He assisted the Philadelphia Police Department for Party of the Parkway, as law enforcement from surrounding counties often do during major events in the city. Both officers were transported to Jefferson University Hospital, where they were treated and released early Tuesday morning.
Highway Patrol and other Philadelphia police officers lined up outside the hospital, greeting and applauding the injured officers as they headed home to recover.
One of the injured policemen could be seen with a bandage on his head.
“While we are grateful that Deputy Foster and the injured Philadelphia police officer are safe, we are troubled by the violence that turned what should have been a celebration into a near tragedy,” MCSO said in a statement.
RELATED: ‘Like the running of the bulls’: Witnesses describe chaotic shooting scene at Party on the Parkway
Outlaw said officers did not hear any shots fired.
There is no word yet on a suspect or arrests in this shooting. Police are asking anyone with information or who may have a photo or video of the shooting to call 215-686-TIPS (8477).
The circumstances surrounding the shooting continue to be clarified.
Outlaw said it’s not yet known if the shooting was intentional or if the officers were hit by stray bullets — or if the bullets came from a celebratory shooting.
Mayor Jim Kenney, who also attended the news conference, didn’t mince words when asked about the city’s gun crisis.
“If I had the ability to take care of weapons. I would. But the legislature won’t let us. The US Congress won’t let us. The governor is doing the best he can. Our Attorney General is doing the best he can. But this is a gun country. It’s crazy,” he said.
“We are the most armed country in the history of the world and we are one of the least safe,” he continued. “So, you know, until Americans decide they want to give up guns and give up the ability to get guns, we’re going to have this problem.
Kenney also said he is constantly worried about security and will be happy when he is no longer mayor.
“I’m worried every day. There isn’t an event or a day when I don’t lie on my back at night, staring at the ceiling and worrying about things. Everything we’ve had in town for the past seven years, I’m worried. I didn’t like the Fourth of July. I did not like the Democratic National Convention. I didn’t like the NFL Draft,” he said.
“I’m always waiting for something bad to happen. I’ll be happy when I’m not mayor and I can enjoy some things,” Kenny said.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Kenney rejected that comment and said the statement came during a “late night, tremendous moment of frustration.”
“I said I was looking forward to not being mayor anymore. Let me be clear, I am incredibly grateful to be mayor of this great city and for the people who elected me to lead,” Kenney said.
For people who fled the shooting during the 4th of July celebration in Philadelphia, the city organized a lost and found.
Many people ran for cover, leaving behind lawn chairs, baby carriages, clothes and other belongings.
The city collects the items you can recover by emailing information@welcomeamerica.com.
The city also reminds people who may be traumatized to call the Philadelphia Crisis Line at (215) 685-6440. This line is open 24/7.
In the meantime, Philadelphia police are asking anyone with tips, photos or videos that could help with the investigation to call 215-686-TIPS (8477), visit this page on PhillyPolice.com or email tips@phillypolice. com.
Copyright © 2022 WPVI-TV. All rights reserved.
Add Comment