Four people were shot Monday afternoon outside the Christy Recreation Center in Philadelphia, including two children aged 10 and 11, a city staffer, and a young man believed to be between 17 and 20 years old.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the incident followed an earlier altercation at the center that had been broken up by rec center staff and an on-site officer. “Unfortunately, at around 4:05, individuals appear to have returned and fired at individuals who were not in the pool but on 56th Street outside of the pool,” Bethel said.
"Earlier today, we had an incident—a fight out here that was broken up by rec center staff, along with an officer assigned to the detail here. Unfortunately, around 4:05 pm, individuals appear to have returned and fired at people who were not in the pool but were on 56th Street, outside the facility," said Bethel.
"As a result, four individuals were shot. Two of them are young children—a 10-year-old and an 11-year-old. We’re glad to report that both children suffered graze wounds. They are stable and will be fine. A third individual, believed to be between the ages of 17 and 20, was shot multiple times—twice in the back. We do not yet have confirmation on his exact age, but he is currently in extremely critical condition.
"The fourth victim is a staff employee who sustained a graze wound to his hand and buttocks. He’s doing fine, was able to speak with us, and has been taken to the hospital for treatment.
"We still have a lot of investigation ahead of us," Bethel added.
Approximately 75 children were inside the pool at the time of the shooting, but no one in the pool area was injured. Police say the investigation is ongoing, according to Fox 29.
