Security officer shoots man outside federal courthouse in Philadelphia

When the security officer approached the van, a man got out and was armed with "multiple edged weapons," a spokesperson said.

Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Security officer shoots man outside federal courthouse in Center City
A man armed with a sharp object was shot by a security officer outside of the federal courthouse in Center City, officials said.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A man was shot by a security officer outside of the federal courthouse in Philadelphia on Tuesday morning, officials said.

According to a spokesperson with the U.S. Marshals Service, the incident began at about 9:30 a.m. on 7th Street south of Filbert Street when a minivan was illegally parked near the building.

News conference on shooting outside federal courthouse in Philadelphia.

When the security officer approached the minivan, a man got out and was armed with two sharp objects, according to a spokesperson.

"The court security officer gave multiple verbal commands to the suspect to drop his weapons," said Robert Clark, public affairs officer for the U.S. Marshals. "Those commands were not complied to and the suspect continued to advance towards the security officer."

When the man did not stop the officer fired his gun, hitting the man multiple times.

He was rushed to Jefferson University Hospital where he was undergoing surgery, Clark said.

The FBI's evidence response team spent several hours at the scene collecting and marking evidence.

Clothing was put into bags, including a garment that appeared to have clear plastic panels taped to it.

The officer is contracted through Walden Security. He's one of about 64 supplemental security officers working at the U.S. Courthouse.

"We will conduct any necessary interviews of parties involved as well as witnesses and the investigation, and we will go forward from there in conjunction with our partners as well as the U.S. Attorney's Office," said Jacqueline Maguire, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI Philadelphia field office.

Authorities have not released the name of the officer or the name of the suspect.

The investigation is ongoing.

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