Eight teenagers were wounded in a mass shooting at a Philadelphia bus stop, marking the fourth shooting incident on the transit system in as many days. The students, all from Northeast High School and aged between 15-17, were waiting for a city bus after classes when suspects emerged from a car and opened fire, injuring them. One student, a 16-year-old, sustained critical injuries after being hit nine times, while the others were in stable condition, according to Associated Press (AP).
The incident, which occurred around 3 pm, prompted numerous 911 calls reporting a “mass shooting” near Dunkin’ Donuts in northeast Philadelphia. The injured teenagers were transported to nearby hospitals and although two buses were hit by gunfire, there were no reports of injuries to passengers or drivers.
Northeast High School, with more than 3,000 students, is located more than a mile from the shooting scene. The shooting took place near Crossan Elementary, which was placed on lockdown during the incident.
City officials, including Mayor Cherelle Parker and Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr., expressed outrage and determination to address gun violence in the city. Mayor Parker emphasised the commitment to using all legal tools available to ensure public safety, while Superintendent Watlington echoed the sentiment, stating, “Enough is enough.”
The aftermath of the shooting saw the area cordoned off with police tape, with evidence markers scattered on the pavement. Residents expressed concerns about the growing insecurity in the neighbourhood, with some considering relocation due to safety fears.
The shooting followed a series of incidents on the transit system, including fatal shootings in the preceding days. Police investigations into the motives behind the shootings are ongoing, with no arrests made thus far.
Authorities pledged to ramp up security measures, including increased surveillance and efforts to target illegal gun possession and other criminal activities on the transit system. SEPTA’s chief of transit police emphasised a proactive approach to addressing crime and ensuring the safety of passengers and employees.