Seven people were injured, including a 16-year-old girl in critical condition, after a gunman fired more than 50 shots into a crowd at an “Instagram party” in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, early Saturday morning, October 19, 2024.
The shooting erupted around 3:25 a.m. on the 1100 block of West Cumberland Street near Fotterall Square following a dispute between two males at the gathering. After people began leaving the party, one of the males returned and opened fire into the crowd, resulting in multiple injuries, according to investigators from the Philadelphia Police Department.
The violence spread across multiple locations as the gunman pursued victims. Police found shell casings at the initial scene near Cumberland and North 11th streets, with additional shots fired at a residence on the 2500 block of North Jessup Street. A seventh victim was discovered at North 22nd Street and West Susquehanna Avenue with a gunshot wound to the back.
Law enforcement recovered one firearm and found 57 shell casings from three different caliber weapons at the scene. Investigators believe the shooter, described as a male wearing all black, might be a juvenile.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker addressed the shooting, saying, “While shootings are down in the city, this incident affirms the need to keep pushing for a comprehensive approach to address the ongoing gun violence.”
The shooting comes as Philadelphia has seen a 34% reduction in shootings and a 12% drop in violent crime in 2024 compared to the same period last year. Despite these improvements, the city remains on track to exceed 1,000 shooting victims in 2024, though it is projected to record fewer than 300 homicides for the first time since 2016.
Philadelphia police officials noted that similar events organized by the same group have previously resulted in shootings, prompting plans to increase enforcement at these pop-up gatherings.
The Philadelphia Police Department’s Shooting Investigation Group is actively investigating the incident and has urged anyone with information to contact authorities or submit an anonymous tip.