PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: The city of Philadelphia was rocked again after a man shot multiple people, killing five in the Kingsessing neighborhood. The authorities have now officially identified the victims who died in the attack in a statement on Tuesday, July 5. Lashyd Merritt, 20; Dymir Stanton, 29; Ralph Moralis, 59; Daujan Brown, 15; and Joseph Wamah Jr, 31, were among the five who succumbed in this deadly attack. The attacker also injured two children aged two and 13, but they are said to be in stable condition. Police didn’t release the name of the children.
The shooter was found wearing a bulletproof vest, an AR-15-style rifle, and a handgun. As per earlier official reports, four deaths were reported, however, another body was discovered on Tuesday, at the crime scene. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle M Outlaw briefed the media on the incident. "When officers responded, they did identify and find some gunshot victims. As they were scooping up the victims and preparing them for transport to hospital, they also heard multiple gunshots," she said.
'The suspect surrendered'
The officers went for the suspect on foot as gunfire continued to ring out, hitting parked cars, and covering the street with shell casings. At around 20.40 local time, police cornered the man in an alleyway. He surrendered and was taken in until further investigation. The motive of the attack is still unknown. "At this point, all we know is that this person (the suspect) decided to leave their home and target individuals," noted Outlaw.
Commissioner Outlaw said the ‘armed and armoured suspect fired his weapon at random, shooting seven, killing five, including children, babies.’ "We're canvassing the area to get as much information as we can - to identify witnesses, to locate cameras, and do everything in our power to determine the 'why' behind this incident."
Until now, investigators couldn't find the possible relation between the victims and the suspect, Outlaw shared. City Police Chief Inspector Scott Small confirmed the additional fatality, reports BBC.
'The level of bravery and courage that was shown'
The chief also acknowledged the quick response and action that avoided further potential damage the alleged suspect could have caused. "Thank God our officers were here on the scene," she said. Adding, "They responded as quickly as they did. I can't even describe the level of bravery and courage that was shown in addition to the restraint."
Ernest Ransom, a staff police inspector, said the suspect wore a ski mask while carrying attack and targeted vehicles.
