Authorities are searching for five suspects after a shooting at a north Philadelphia playground resulted in the deaths of two men and left two others critically wounded. The incident occurred at the 8th and Diamond basketball courts on Friday, just before 6 p.m. The victims, identified as Nyreese Moore, 22, and Naasir Folk, 24, were among a group of people gathered at the playground when five males began shooting at them. The suspects then fled the scene. A 23-year-old man was shot twice in the abdomen, while a 21-year-old man sustained gunshot wounds to the head, leg, and knee. Both victims were transported to Temple Medical Center and are currently listed in critical condition.
Police discovered spent shell casings from three different-caliber firearms at the scene. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney expressed his horror and offered prayers for the victims and their families in a social media post. The city is offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for shootings near schools, recreation centers, or libraries.
The union representing Parks and Recreation Department employees has been advocating for increased security measures at playgrounds, including the presence of security guards, social workers, and therapists. However, these efforts have not received funding. Brett Bessler, the vice president of AFSCME-Local 2186, stated that workers have experienced incidents of violence, including muggings, beatings, and threats with weapons. Mayor Kenney mentioned that over 100 new security cameras have been installed around city recreation centers, and therapy services will be made available to address the issue.
In a separate incident in the East Germantown neighborhood of northwest Philadelphia, a 27-year-old man was shot in the chest and pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Einstein Medical Center. No arrests have been made in connection with this shooting.
Author: Ryan Scott
Just a guy
