The shooting happened just after 7 a.m. on the 5400 block of Webster Street, where neighbors said the man, identified as Anthony McKinley, was well known in the community.
Philadelphia police provide updates on police-involved shooting in West Philly
"It's a sad day for Webster Street because Tony was a good neighbor, and I know, me especially I can speak to it; he was kind. A good neighbor," said neighbor Crystal Harris.
Police radio captured the sound of a gunshot as officers arrived. Investigators say two shots were fired in total. Police said McKinley fired first before an officer returned fire.
"There was very quick a confrontation between the two. The male had a firearm. There were shots fired during that confrontation. The male was struck one time, taken immediately by the officer's partner to Penn Presbyterian. At 7:33, he was pronounced at the hospital," said Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore.
Police said officers from the 18th District found McKinley holding a handgun on the porch of an occupied home.
Harris said neighbors were stunned.
Investigators said the encounter unfolded rapidly.
Another neighbor, Shihee Hatchett, said the circumstances were difficult to understand.
"He never had or showed any signs of mental illness or any of that stuff. It's unjustifiable," Hatchett said.
The District Attorney's Special Investigation Unit and the Philadelphia Police Department's Officer-Involved Shooting Unit are reviewing evidence to determine whether the shooting was justified.
"The officer's body camera was activated, so we have to review that, and there was a firearm recovered from the male so we have to do a lot of analysis," Vanore said.
Police said they are reviewing body-worn camera footage and are asking neighbors to share any doorbell video that may help investigators piece together what happened.
Anyone with information can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.