Eid celebration turns sour as shootout injures three in Philadelphia, US

Three people were injured in a shootout which took place between rival groups near the celebration which marked the end of Ramadan, said the police in Philadelphia.

There was no indication from the police if the event itself, which was a celebration of the culmination of the Muslim holy month, was a target of the shooting.

"We are very, very fortunate today that we did not have more individuals shot and anyone killed," said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, while speaking to the reporters.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Bethel added that it was mid-afternoon when more than 1,000 people were in the park to celebrate Eid al-Fitr when the shooting took place. Nearly 30 gunshots rang out, he added.

Also Read:Police arrests five people after shooting takes place near Ramadan celebrations.

"What we do know is there appear to be two factions within the park, who are now exchanging gunfire," said Bethel.

No casualties reported, three injured

According to the police, three people suffered injuries including an adult, who was hit by the bullet during the exchange of gunfire and also an armed 15-year-old suspect, who was shot by the police.

The suspect was hit in the arm and leg. Bethel said that he was admitted to a hospital and is in stable condition.

He further emphasised that a third person had also reached a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound in his hand, although it was not clear if he had received the wound in the firing.

Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said that they had arrested five "young people actively engaged in gunfire" near the Eid al-Fitr celebration in the case, which included the teen, and also recovered five guns. He added that no one was killed in the shooting.

Watch:Michigan school shooting: Parents of Michigan school shooter sentenced to10-15 years in prison

Bethel added that a police vehicle hit a child pedestrian, who was trying to flee the scene, because of which he suffered a broken leg.

"Ninety-nine per cent of the individuals at this event are good people who wanted to have a good time. And once again, we have young people engaging in gunfire who just really destroyed the sanctity of the event," said the commissioner.

Speaking to FOX 29, Abdullah,a shopkeeper in a nearby market, said, “I heard a lot of people running, right, left, with their kids. They came inside, and we had to lock the door, they were scared. They told me someone had been shot there."

Taking to X, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said, "Eid should always be a time of joy for our Muslim neighbours. And I grieve for every member of the Philadelphia Muslim community whose celebration was shattered by gun violence today."

(With inputs from agencies)