Gunfire erupts at Eid al-Fitr celebration in West Philadelphia Three Injured

Three people were shot during an Eid al-Fitr celebration in West Philadelphia attended by roughly 1,000 people, according to police.

Thirty shots were fired around 2:30 p.m. on April 11 in the area of 47th and Girard. Five people were taken into custody, including a 15-year-old who was shot in the arm and leg by a responding officer, Whyy reports.

Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the shooting was between two rival factions.

“When we see individuals beefing and going at each other, oftentimes, they don’t care where they see each other,” Bethel said. “In this case, clearly, they saw something going on in the park. What that was caused two factions to start to pull out guns and shoot at each other.”

Schools were closed throughout the School District of Philadelphia in observance of the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan and the breaking of fasts.

“Can’t make excuses for all these kids,” Bethel said. “Some of them are out here actively engaging in gunfire, actively wanting to be involved in shootings, and as you see today, do that, and there is no zero tolerance for that.”

Police said a 22-year-old male was shot in the stomach and a juvenile was taken to the hospital in a private vehicle for a gunshot wound to their hand. Another 15-year-old was struck by a responding police vehicle, resulting in a fractured leg, according to police.

“Clearly we send our prayers out to her and her family,” Bethel said. “That is not our intended purpose and we will make sure we’ll be following up with her and her family to let them know that.”

The shooting resulted in a citywide police response, including SWAT patrols, according to 6abc.

The discharging officer has been placed on administrative duty pending an internal review, per department policy.

Amid the chaos, Bethel said a police vehicle struck a child and she suffered a fractured leg. Bethel said the department is sending prayers to her and will be reaching out to her family.