Eid Al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday celebrated by the Muslim faith worldwide to commemorate breaking their fast during the month of Ramadan. For those who don’t know, Ramadan is a sacred time that consists of fasting food and water daily from sun up to sun down based on the moon over Mecca. During this time Muslims partake in prayer, giving, abstinence, and the reflection of one’s self, and more.
But on April 10th at approximately 2:30 pm on the corner of 47th Street and Lancaster Avenue in West Philadelphia, a barrage of what Philadelphia Police say were 30 shots rang out leaving 3 injured and 5 arrested.
Around 1,000 people gathered to partake in the Eid Al-Fitr celebration at Clara Muhammad Square when seemingly two groups began opening fire. A fifteen-year-old boy yet to be identified carrying a “shotgun” sustained superficial wounds after being shot by Philadelphia police in the shoulder and leg; a girl struck by a police vehicle during the chaos; a twenty something year old was shot in the stomatch and taken to the hospital in stable condition; and another individual struck in the hand by open fire suffering minor injuries.
Four other individuals (three males and one female) were arrested during the incident and a further investigation is underway. “We’re very, very fortunate today that we did not have more individuals shot or anyone killed,” said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. The thought of “kids” walking around carrying guns and senselessly firing in broad daylight, with a blatent disregard for life is disgusting!
Parents, it’s time to double down on what your children are into, and who they hang out with. We need programs put into place for the betterment of this generation’s overall well-being and this violence to end!
