PHILADELPHIA — Dozens of people watching a Fourth of July fireworks display in Philadelphia ran for cover when gunshots rang out, forcing them to leave behind strollers and other personal belongings as they sought refuge from what many feared was someone shoot into the crowd.
Two Philadelphia police officers working the event suffered lacerations when shots were fired shortly after the event began Monday outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The shooting came just hours after a shooting at a holiday in a Chicago suburb left at least seven dead and at least 30 wounded.
Witnesses in Philadelphia said they saw some people being run over or pushed, while others tried to escape the packed crowd, many running through or over metal fences that had been set up for crowd control. No serious injuries were reported in the chaos, although many people said they had scrapes and bruises.
Investigators have not yet determined where the shots came from or how many were fired. It’s also unclear whether someone intentionally shot at the officers or if the shots may have come from someone firing a weapon to celebrate the holiday. No arrests have been made.
One officer suffered a wound to the forehead — officials say the bullet was found in the officer’s hat — while the other was wounded in the shoulder. Both officers were treated at a hospital and later released.
Afterward, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney expressed frustration with efforts for stricter gun laws.
“This is a country with guns. this is crazy We are the most armed country in the history of the world and we are one of the least protected,” Kenney said. “I’m always waiting for something bad to happen.”
The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5 announced a $20,000 reward Tuesday for information leading to an arrest.
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