Philadelphia shooting today: Three shot and five arrested at Ramadan festival – live

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said that those who were involved in Wednesday’s shooting at the Ramadan festival had “destroyed the sanctity” of the event.

“I walked through this event and we know that the majority, 99 per cent of the individuals at this event, are good people who wanted to have a good time,” Mr Bethel said. “And once again we have young people engaging in gunfire who just really destroyed the sanctity of what happened.”

The responding officers spotted three men and a woman who were running away from the scene. Those four people were stopped by the officers who recovered four weapons, investigators said.

At least three people have been shot and five have been arrested, after a shooting occurred at an Eid al-Fitr event in West Philadelphia, according to city police.

Local sources said the incident occurred during a festival where around 1,000 people had gathered to celebrate the holiday near Wyalusing Avenue in Philadelphia.

Eid al-Fitr has been celebrated around the world on 10 April this year.

Here’s what you need to know about the Islamic religious celebration:

One of the men shot during the incident in Philadelphia on Wednesday was identified by a family member as Nhashon Tawfiq Richards. He was shot in the stomach according to police.

Corey Taylor told NBC10 that he was Richard’s father and that his son was responsive and undergoing surgery.

“I’m tired of all the violence and the nonsense that’s going on. We can do better as a people, as all Homo sapiens, human beings,” Mr Taylor told the outlet.

“That we need to do better, love one another and we all can live in prosperity, peace and harmony and stop hating one another. Over what someone else got or dislike over a female or some type of hood affiliation or whatever. It’s stupid. And it’s nonsense. People’s lives are priceless.

“Appreciate and value your life. I love my son. I love my children. I love society. Anyone can get their life together. Anyone can.”

Witness Zania Weatherford told the Associated Press that due to the beliefs associated with the Eid celebrations, the perpetrator of the shooting “can’t even blame the devil”.

Ms Weatherford, had just gone to her car for a moment during the event when she heard the gunfire and saw people running across the street. She called relatives at the event to make sure they were safe.

“Last year, someone set off firecrackers and scared everyone,” Mr Weatherford told the Associated Press.

“This is just a celebration of life for God to forgive us for our sins. There’s one month that God chains the devil down, so whoever did this can’t even blame the devil.”

At least three people have been shot and five have been arrested, after a shooting occurred at an Eid al-Fitr event in West Philadelphia, according to city police.

Local sources said the incident occurred during a festival where around 1,000 people had gathered to celebrate the holiday near Wyalusing Avenue in Philadelphia. Officers were already at the event “writing tickets” for nearby cars when gunshots were heard, police commissioner Kevin Bethel said.

Gunfire had erupted in “two factions” within the park, Mr Bethel said, noting that they heard 30 shots fired.

An officer then “engaged” a 15-year-old male who had a weapon. The police officer fired, striking the teen in the shoulder and the leg.

A 22-year-old male was also shot in the stomach though he is believed to have been struck in the initial gunfire exchange. Another juvenile was also shot in the hands.