What was supposed to be a celebratory holiday full of patriotism and good cheer quickly devolved into chaos around the country, as a number of high profile instances of violence interrupted the 4th of July holiday.
First, near Chicago, a gunman began to fire upon an Independence Day parade from a nearby rooftop, killing at least six people thus far and injuring dozens more. The suspect was apprehended several hours later and taken into custody without incident.
Then, not even half a day later, another tragedy in Philadelphia.
A manhunt is underway for a suspect who shot two police officers at a Fourth of July gathering in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Monday before fleeing the scene, officials said.
The shooting took place around 10 p.m. near the Parkway Welcome America events.
Two police officers were shot Monday evening during a Fourth of July gathering in Philadelphia on July 4, 2022.A Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol officer suffered a graze wound to the head. The other officer was shot in the shoulder and was with the Montgomery County Bomb Unit, according to Fox 29 of Philadelphia. Both officers are in stable condition.
The harrowing moment was soon circulating on social media.
Scene from Ben Franklin Parkway during reported active shooter tonight during firework show #philly #benfranklinparkway #bfp @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/buXQ6bwbed
— Alex Dzomba (@AlexDzomba) July 5, 2022
People run for blocks from the Welcome America Festival on the Ben Franklin Parkway after two police officers were shot while working in the area of 2500 Spring Garden Street. A truly terrifying scene on what was supposed to be a night of celebration. @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/Bye1OEzQmF
— Joe Holden (@JoeHoldenCBS3) July 5, 2022
No further injuries have been reported at the time of this writing.
