Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A tragic incident unfolded near a SEPTA bus station in Philadelphia as eight Northeast High School students were shot on Wednesday afternoon, according to Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. The victims, aged between 15 and 17, were targeted by three masked shooters who opened fire near Rising Sun and Cottman avenues. One of the students, a 16-year-old, sustained nine gunshot wounds to the torso and remains in critical condition, while the others are stable.
Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed outrage, stating, “Enough is enough,” and emphasized the collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies to address the escalating gun violence. Surveillance footage captured the harrowing moment when the shooters exited a dark blue Hyundai Sonata, firing over 30 shots as the students boarded a SEPTA bus near a Dunkin’ Donuts.
The recent surge in violence, with 11 juveniles shot within just three days, has left the community in shock and mourning. Commissioner Bethel, who previously oversaw school safety in the Philadelphia school district, condemned the senseless acts of violence and stressed the importance of addressing gun violence to prevent further tragedies.
Following the shooting, SEPTA confirmed that two buses were hit by gunfire and is collaborating with law enforcement in the investigation. The motive behind the attack and the identity of the assailants remain unknown at this time.
City officials, including Commissioner Bethel, Mayor Parker, and District Attorney Larry Krasner, pledged to deploy additional resources to solve the case and ensure justice is served. Northeast High School will transition to virtual learning for the remainder of the week to provide support to students and staff in coping with the aftermath of the incident.
Bethel, reflecting on his own experience growing up in the city, highlighted the need for parental involvement in curbing youth violence. As the community grapples with the repercussions of the shooting, sentiments of shock and grief echo through the city, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to address gun violence in Philadelphia.