2 dead, 2 injured after shooting on North Philly basketball court
Police said at least 50 bullets and several guns were used in this shooting near 8th and Diamond streets.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The 8th and Diamond Playground in Philadelphia is meant to be a fun and safe space for children, but it turned into a crime scene on Friday night.
It was covered with crime tape and chalk circles surrounding bullet casings after four young men were shot while playing basketball just before 6 p.m.
"Since 2019, there's been over 300 shootings at or very close to Philadelphia Parks and Recreation facilities. This is just unacceptable," said Brett Bessler, who is the vice president of AFSCME-Local 2186 and represents recreation employees.
Bessler said only one employee was working during the time of the shooting.
Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner James Kelly said a 22-year-old man and a 24-year-old man were shot in the head and died at the scene.
He said a 23-year-old man was shot in the stomach and a 22-year-old man was shot in the head and leg. Both were rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
Kelly said at least 50 bullets and several guns were used in this shooting.
"As tragic as this is, we were lucky we had a bunch of very young children playing in the sidewalk. Thank God none of those children were hit," said Kelly.
Kelly said it appears about five shooters came off of N. Darien Street, fired their guns and sped away.
"It does seem like they had a specific group or person they were going after," said Kelly.
Bessler fears this will continue to happen if they don't receive assistance from the mayor's office.
"We've asked for security guards, we've asked for recreational therapists, we've asked for social workers to be embedded in the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation system, and it's just not happening," said Bessler.
Kelly said the playground will remain open and police will patrol the area as they investigate.
"We're working on different angles hopefully to put an end to any possible retaliation that could result from this because that's always our biggest concern," said Kelly.
Mayor Jim Kenney released this statement in a tweet:
"I am horrified by the reports of a quadruple shooting tonight and praying for the victims as well as their families and loved ones. Police are investigating this senseless act of violence. The City offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction for shootings near school, recreation center, or library."
If you have any information about this incident, contact police at 215-686-TIPS.
