Eight people were injured in a shooting near a Philadelphia subway station on Wednesday afternoon.
Gunfire began near the SEPTA Olney Transportation Center at approximately 2:50 PM, police confirmed according to multiple reports.
Witnesses said people in the area quickly dispersed during the chaotic scene in the Fern Rock section of the city.
The eight victims ranged in age from 17 to 71 years. A 17-year-old girl was shot in the right arm, a 21-year-old man was shot in the right leg, a 22-year-old man was shot in the back, a 36-year-old woman was shot in the right thigh, a 48-year-old man was shot abraded stomach, a 53-year-old man was punched in the right leg, a 70-year-old man was shot in the thigh and a 71-year-old man was shot once in the stomach and several times in both legs, according to local news outlets.
The 71-year-old man was admitted in critical condition by officials on Wednesday. The other victims were all stable.
A suspect was reportedly arrested and two firearms were recovered by officials. Police have not released the suspect’s identity.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney (D) called the shooting “yet another tragic example of the brutal, scandalous and unacceptable epidemic of gun violence that threatens the lives and safety of our fellow Philadelphians.”
‘I am more than sick. I refuse to accept this emergency as normal. We must stand together with one clear and united moral voice against the evil act of violence. People have the right to travel between work and home, and around town, without fear of being shot and possibly killed by reckless, random gunfire, ”Kenney said in a statement.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said officials were still trying to determine if there were multiple gunmen.
“It’s very cheeky,” said Outlaw, ABC News reported. “We were able to take someone into custody just as quickly as we did because we had agents working on a different assignment. It’s not because of our lack of presence here, but I think it’s telling that people who are willing are increasingly encouraged to participate in these shootings, whether we are here or not. ”
The Hill has contacted the Philadelphia Police for additional information.