Philadelphia Eid event shooting updates: Three shot and five arrested at end of Ramadan festival

Three individuals were shot and five have been arrested after gunfire broke out at a Ramadan event in West Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon, prompting police to flock to the scene.

A 15-year-old was shot by a police officer, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said, adding that the teen is now in stable condition.

Authorities also said that one of their police patrol wagons accidentally struck a child.

The incident occurred around 2.30pm during an event where hundreds had gathered to celebrate the holiday near Wyalusing Avenue in Philadelphia, Fox29 reports.

The police commissioner said that they have seized four guns from those five arrests.

It’s unclear what prompted the shooting; Mr Bethel said he believed two groups exchanged gunfire.

A witness described the harrowing events to WPVI before lamenting the prevelance of gun violence: “You can’t even have a celebration without having to worry about somebody getting shot.”

Congressman Dwight Evans, who represents West Philadelphia, said in a tweet: “Gun violence is never acceptable, but to see it victimize people who gathered for a Ramadan event or any religious event is especially heartbreaking.”

“We must all continue working for change, because thoughts & prayers are not enough,” he added.

Key Points

• Five suspects arrested after gunfire erupted at festival

• Live feed: Police respond to reports of shooting in Philadelphia

• A juvenile was shot by police

• What we know about the three individuals who were shot

Man who claims to be shooting victim’s father condemns Philadelphia violence

Thursday 11 April 2024 00:16 , Mike Bedigan

One of the men shot during the incident in Philadelphia on Wednesday was identified by a family member as Nhashon Tawfiq Richards. He was shot in the stomach according to police.

Corey Taylor told NBC10 that he was Richard’s father and that his son was responsive and undergoing surgery.

“I’m tired of all the violence and the nonsense that’s going on. We can do better as a people, as all Homo sapiens, human beings,” Mr Taylor told the outlet.

“That we need to do better, love one another and we all can live in prosperity, peace and harmony and stop hating one another. Over what someone else got or dislike over a female or some type of hood affiliation or whatever. It’s stupid. And it’s nonsense. People’s lives are priceless.

“Appreciate and value your life. I love my son. I love my children. I love society. Anyone can get their life together. Anyone can.”

‘Whoever did this can’t even blame the devil'

Thursday 11 April 2024 00:03 , Mike Bedigan

Witness Zania Weatherford told the Associated Press that due to the beliefs associated with the Eid celebrations, the perpetrator of the shooting “can’t even blame the devil”.

Ms Weatherford, had just gone to her car for a moment during the event when she heard the gunfire and saw people running across the street. She called relatives at the event to make sure they were safe.

“Last year, someone set off firecrackers and scared everyone,” Mr Weatherford told the Associated Press.

“This is just a celebration of life for God to forgive us for our sins. There’s one month that God chains the devil down, so whoever did this can’t even blame the devil.”

What happened at the Philadelphia shooting?

Wednesday 10 April 2024 23:30 , Kelly Rissman

At least three people have been shot and five have been arrested, after a shooting occurred at an Eid al-Fitr event in West Philadelphia, according to city police.

Local sources said the incident occurred during a festival where around 1,000 people had gathered to celebrate the holiday near Wyalusing Avenue in Philadelphia. Officers were already at the event “writing tickets” for nearby cars when gunshots were heard, police commissioner Kevin Bethel said.

Gunfire had erupted in “two factions” within the park, Mr Bethel said, noting that they heard 30 shots fired.

An officer then “engaged” a 15-year-old male who had a weapon. The police officer fired, striking the teen in the shoulder and the leg.

A 22-year-old male was also shot in the stomach though he is believed to have been struck in the initial gunfire exchange. Another juvenile was also shot in the hands.

Read the full story...

Multiple people shot during Eid festival in Philadelphia

WATCH: Witness to Eid shooting describes chaotic scene

Wednesday 10 April 2024 23:15 , Kelly Rissman

A celebration ‘shattered’ by gun violence, Pennsylvania governor says

Wednesday 10 April 2024 23:00 , Kelly Rissman

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Wednesday 10 April 2024 22:45 , Kelly Rissman

Eid al-Fitr is being celebrated by Muslims across the world on Wednesday to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The day is filled with spending time with family, sharing unique dishes, giving gifts and charity and praying with your community.

Many Muslims will dress up in new clothes for the occasion, and some countries will decorate their streets in honour of the celebrations.

After a month of fasting, the day gives Muslims the chance to thank Allah for the strength and support they received through Ramadan.

What we know about the three individuals who were shot

Wednesday 10 April 2024 22:30 , Kelly Rissman

• One was a 22-year-old male who was shot in the stomach.

• One juvenile — a 15-year-old male — was shot in the shoulder and the leg by a police officer. He is in stable condition.

• Another juvenile was shot in the hands.

‘It was crazy’: Witness recounts moment gunfire broke out

Wednesday 10 April 2024 22:28 , Kelly Rissman

A witness who said her family member was shot in the stomach said they were at the festival celebrating when they heard shots rings out around 2.30pm local time.

“Everyone just started running and scattering around,” the witness told CNN affiliate WPVI. “You heard babies crying, people crying, people on the ground. It was crazy.”

“You can’t even have a celebration without having to worry about somebody getting shot,” the witness said.

Read the full story...

Multiple people shot during Eid festival in Philadelphia

Thousands were “traumatized during what was supposed to be” a holy day, Philadelphia councilwoman says

Wednesday 10 April 2024 22:17 , Kelly Rissman

Philadelphia Council Member Jamie Gauthier said her day started by celebrating Eid al-Fitr at Philadelphia Masjid — then just hours later, that celebration was interrupted by the heartwrenching sounds of gunfire.

Ms Gauthier called it “heartbreaking” that thousands “were traumatized during what was supposed to be a holy and joyful day.”

“No one should fear for their life at their place of worship,” she added.

Philadelphia-based Congressman calls Ramadan shooting ‘heartbreaking’

Wednesday 10 April 2024 22:15 , Kelly Rissman

When is Eid al-Fitr?

Wednesday 10 April 2024 22:00 , Kelly Rissman

The start of the celebration is calculated when a new crescent moon is sighted in the sky. The announcement that the festival has started is usually carried out by local mosques.

As Ramadan, the Islamic fasting month, concluded on 9 April, Eid al-Fitr falls on 10 April 2024.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated according to the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar that calculates dates based on lunar phases, meaning the day of Eid al-Fitr can jump around year by year.

The religious celebration, otherwise known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”, is one of two Eid festivals on the Islamic calendar, celebrated as Ramadan draws to a close.

Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam, is observed for a month in which Muslims will abstain from food or drink between dawn and dusk.

The month allows those who celebrate to pray and spiritually self-reflect while they fast.

Read more about the holiday here...

Here’s everything to know about Eid as Muslims celebrate worldwide

WATCH: West Philadelphia sheriff update on shooting after multiple injured at Eid event

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:56 , Kelly Rissman

30 shots fired, three shot, five arrested: Details of the Ramadan festival shooting revealed

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:47 , Kelly Rissman

Multiple people have reportedly been injured after a shooting occurred at an Eid al-Fitr event in West Philadelphia, according to CBS News, citing city police.

Local sources said the incident occurred during a festival where hundreds had gathered to celebrate the holiday near Wyalusing Avenue in Philadelphia, Fox29 reports.

The total number of victims and their conditions is currently unknown, but at least two people have been confirmed shot according to a report from ABC6. One person reportedly was hit by a car while they were trying to flee the scene of the shooting. Their condition is also unknown.

The Philadelphia Fire Department told CBS News that at least one person was taken to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for treatment.

Read the full story...

Multiple people shot during Eid festival in Philadelphia

Recap: What we know about the Philadelphia shooting

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:40 , Kelly Rissman

Five are under arrest and three were shot — one by a police officer, the police commissioner said.

Authorities were already at the event “writing tickets” for nearby cars when they heard gunshots, the police commissioner said.

Gunfire erupted in “two factions” within the park, he said, noting that they heard 30 shots fired.

An officer “engaged” a 15-year-old male who had a weapon. The police officer fired, striking the teen in the shoulder and the leg, he said.

A 22-year-old male was also shot in the stomach; he is believed to have been struck in the initial gunfire exchange.

Police estimated that 1,000 people were attending the event.

WATCH: Eid shooting witness talks about terrifying events

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:30 , Kelly Rissman

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:28 , Kelly Rissman

Eid al-Fitr is being celebrated by Muslims across the world on Wednesday to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The day is filled with spending time with family, sharing unique dishes, giving gifts and charity and praying with your community.

Many Muslims will dress up in new clothes for the occasion, and some countries will decorate their streets in honour of the celebrations.

After a month of fasting, the day gives Muslims the chance to thank Allah for the strength and support they received through Ramadan.

What police are saying

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:20 , Kelly Rissman

Five individuals are under arrest -- four of whom are carrying weapons, police told NBC10.

Three individuals were shot, including a 15-year-old was shot by a police officer, authorities said.

Two of the individuals, a 22-year-old and a 15-year-old, who were shot are in stable condition.

“99 per cent of the people at this event were good people,” one police officer told the outlet.

One police patrol wagons struck a child, police also said.

What we know about the shooting:

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:16 , Kelly Rissman

A shooting broke out in West Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon at an Eid al-Fitr festival.

The total number of victims and their conditions is currently unknown, but at least two people have been confirmed shot, reports say.

Four people have been taken into police custody so far.

One person reportedly was hit by a car while they were trying to flee the scene of the shooting. Their condition is also unknown.

The Philadelphia Fire Department told CBS News that at least one person was taken to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for treatment.

Live feed: Police respond to reports of shooting in Philadelphia

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:11 , Kelly Rissman

Police are responding to the scene in West Philadelphia after a shooting broke out at a Ramadan festival.

Four people have been arrested so far, reports say.

It’s unclear how many have been injured at this time.

You can watch the live feed here:

Live: Police respond to reports of shooting in Philadelphia

Multiple guns have been seized, reports say

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:03 , Kelly Rissman

Four suspects arrested at Philadelphia shooting

Wednesday 10 April 2024 21:02 , Kelly Rissman

Multiple people have reportedly been injured after a shooting occurred at an Eid al-Fitr event in West Philadelphia, according to CBS News, citing city police.

Local sources said the incident occurred during a festival where hundreds had gathered to celebrate the holiday near Wyalusing Avenue in Philadelphia, Fox29 reports.

Here is what we know so far...

Multiple people shot during Eid festival in Philadelphia

WATCH: West Philadelphia sheriff update on shooting after multiple injured at Eid event

Wednesday 10 April 2024 22:29 , Mike Bedigan