Philadelphia shooting: Muslim community, law enforcement gather to condemn Eid shooting
PHILADELPHIA - Members of Philadelphia’s Muslim community came together Friday to condemn this week’s shooting during Eid al-Fitr.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Kahbir Oglesby Hicks, charged in the shooting, has been released on bail, making 10 percent of $100,000. Three people were injured during the annual celebration and four other people were taken into custody.
Community leaders want the city’s youth to know they do not have to get caught up in gun violence.
Philadelphia shooting: Video shows crowd scatter during Eid shooting that injured 3
Security video from a Philadelphia business shows the moment a terrified crowd scattered as a shooting erupted at an event to celebrate the end of Ramadan.
Law enforcement gathered with leaders of the Muslim faith, elected officials and community groups in a show of unity to talk about moving forward.
"There’s no sadness here at the Philadelphia Masjid, there is no despondency here at the Philadelphia Masjid. What’s here at the Philadelphia Masjid is praise to Allah for Eid Mubarak," said Imam Saifullah Muhammad.
They expressed gratitude that no lives were lost, despite three people shot, including the suspect wounded by a police officer, who also took him to the hospital.
"The reason why it's a blessing is because there's no way in the world that we could have woke up the next day and we have not one fatality. Not one person died. Allahu Akbar for that. Eid Mubarak for that," Muhammad remarked.
Philadelphia shooting: Father of victim shot during Eid event shares moving message to the city
A 23-year-old man was one of three people shot in West Philadelphia Wednesday during an Eid al-Fitr, end of Ramadan celebration with around 1,000 attendees. Now, his father is reacting to the news while sharing a powerful message to the city.
Friday, they made plans to hold a community fair at the park in about two weeks, to address violence, deal with trauma and connect with the youth.
"We want to have a community day, a family day and we want all the organizations here. We have trauma unit, health and education and all the things our youth need. You are here today to support the Philadelphia Masjid, but the reality is that we all have to now come together," Imam Kenneth Nuriddin.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner made a plea to those gathered for information about what happened. "That truth will come out from a lot of people, including some people who were out here when this went down. Who ran in different directions when this went down and know info that we all need to know."
The community event is planned for April 27th. Police have pledged more patrols, especially on Fridays during prayer and for the community event.