PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: A shocking act of violence unfolded in Philadelphia's Kingsessing neighborhood on the eve of the Fourth of July as a gunman opened fire, leaving four men and a 15-year-old boy dead. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Kimbrady Carriker, is now in custody and facing multiple murder charges. Carriker's actions have sparked further alarm as new details emerge about his disturbing online presence and interests.
A cross-dressing gunman with a troubling online presence
Carriker, described as a computer nerd with an obsession with firearms, has been revealed to have a troubling online presence. Facebook posts from March 2022 depict Carriker dressed as a woman, wearing a bra, hooped earrings, and gold bracelets. Disturbing articles titled "How do you know if an evil spirit is following you" and a photo of a map listing historic 'black massacres' with the caption "We kept the receipts" were also shared on his profile. Carriker's Facebook page, which featured Keanu Reeves as "Neo" from the "Matrix" movie as the profile picture, displayed concerning content related to guns and expressed concerns about potential restrictions on gun rights under President Joe Biden, per Heavy.com.
In the days leading up to the mass shooting, Carriker shared Bible verses and wrote about prayer and protection. One post read, "But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves" and "But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat." Carriker also referenced spiritual battles against evil forces in his posts, quoting, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. #We fight Daemons and Devils."
Insights from those who knew Carriker
Speaking to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Tina Rosette, who lived with Carriker in 2021, described him as intelligent and creative, particularly skilled in working on computer programs. While Rosette had not witnessed Carriker with a gun, she acknowledged his aggressive approach to certain aspects of life. Rosette's daughter, Cianni, revealed that she had seen Carriker's handgun and stated that he had attempted to familiarize her with firearms. She also mentioned rejecting Carriker's romantic advances and describing him as being in a "dark place," although the exact reasons for this state were not clarified.
Carriker's online presence revealed his support for the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as his participation in the Strike For Black Lives in July 2020. He shared images of clothing featuring phrases like "the first amendment defines us, the second amendment defends us." Additionally, Carriker's social media posts included designs with phrases such as "I lubricate my AR-15 liberal tears" and "Know this we are many they are few. To fear death is a choice and they can’t hang us all." Carriker also showed support for former President Donald Trump and promoted a vegan lifestyle.
Criminal history
According to Philadelphia court records, Carriker had a previous arrest in 2003. He faced charges of possession of a weapon without a license, carrying a firearm in public, and drug possession. Carriker eventually pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm without a license, and the other charges were dropped. He received three years of probation and was ordered to pay over $1,000 in costs.
As investigations continue into the motives and circumstances surrounding the tragic shooting, authorities are piecing together the information available to gain a deeper understanding of Carriker's actions and potential warning signs. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health concerns and implementing effective measures to prevent such acts of violence in the future.
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