Police investigate shots fired after large crowd gathers near Temple University

Police say no one was hurt when the shots were fired, but the violence still rattled students.

Sunday, February 11, 2024
Police investigate shots fired after large crowd gathers near Temple University
Police investigate shots fired after large crowd gathers near Temple University

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police have released images of a suspect they believe fired a gun around a crowd of juveniles near Temple University's campus Saturday evening.

Around 4:30 p.m., up to 500 juveniles had gathered near the Liacouras Center. They could be seen running onto the street and weaving through traffic.

Police say the crowd did not disperse until around 6 p.m. when shots were fired.

The university's office of public safety says it was aware of a "meet up" advertised on social media near Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue and officers were in place to monitor the crowd.

Still, video from the Citizen's App shows chaos ensuing.

Police put out pictures of the individual they believe is responsible for the shots fired and are hoping someone recognizes him.

Police say no one was hurt when the shots were fired, but the violence still rattled students.

"We took the subway, we were in town and the only reason we knew about it was social media, but if we didn't, we would've just taken the subway to get here and we would've just, it could've been a lot worse," said Jared, a junior at Temple.

He says he avoided Broad Street after seeing videos of the crowd.

"We know what happens in this area and stuff and with more police patrols, it could cut down, but you don't see them at all unless something actually happens," said Dmar, a sophomore.

Police say the scene on Broad Street was clear by 8:30 p.m., but half a mile away on 19th and Diamond streets, a separate violent incident broke out.

Philadelphia police say there was a triple shooting around 1:20 a.m. Sunday.

Police say a 15-year-old girl was grazed in the head, an 18-year-old male was shot in the arm, and a 17-year-old male was shot in the arm and head.

The 17-year-old is in critical condition.

Temple says no students were involved in either incident.

"Keeping the community safe, informed, and connected is our number one priority, and one we take very seriously," said Jennifer Griffin, the school's vice president for public safety. "This behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated."

"When you've lived here long enough you kind of disassociate from the idea you might get shot or whatever slightly more scared about," said Khushi Kumar, a senior.

No arrests have been made in either incident.

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