An 88-year-old US Air Force veteran, Richard Butler, was tragically killed in a targeted shooting incident on Tuesday afternoon in West Philadelphia. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on the 100 block of North Dewey Street, shortly after Butler dropped off his girlfriend at her residence. Surveillance footage obtained by 6ABC revealed that the suspect, who had been sitting inside a parked car at a nearby intersection, swiftly approached Butler’s vehicle after he pulled onto the street. The assailant fired two shots at Butler, striking him in the chest.
Despite being wounded, Butler attempted to drive away in his white Hyundai Santa Fe. However, his car came to a halt on a sidewalk after knocking over a potted plant. The veteran’s family asserts that the suspect had been waiting for Butler, making it clear that this was not a random act of violence. Butler’s great niece, Minette Finn, expressed her shock and grief, describing him as the beloved patriarch of both their family and the entire community. Finn emphasized that Butler was defenseless during the attack, as he was simply going about his daily routine, which included visiting the park and stopping at Wawa.
Richard Butler, a retired SEPTA driver, served in the Air Force and was known for his selfless nature. His son, Orlando Butler, recalled how his father would take the neighborhood children on trips to Atlantic City and Wildwood, exposing them to experiences beyond Philadelphia. Orlando Butler described his father as an outstanding citizen who cared for everyone in the community. The family is left grappling with the senseless loss and seeking answers as to why this tragedy occurred.
Richard Butler was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Hospital, located three miles away, but was pronounced dead at 1:56 p.m. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the police have yet to identify the suspected shooter or determine a motive.
1 Response
This is such a tragic incident. My heart goes out to Richard Butler and his family. It’s deeply saddening to hear about such acts of violence, especially when it involves someone who has served their country. I would be interested to know the author’s thoughts on gun violence and what can be done to prevent such targeted shootings in the future.