PHILADELPHIA (July 6, 2022) – District Attorney Larry Krasner issued the following statement on the ongoing criminal investigation of an incident that resulted in serious injury to two police officers during July 4th celebrations on the Parkway, which prompted terrified attendees to run away at the conclusion of an otherwise successful event:
“At this very early stage of investigation, we know that two law enforcement officers who were tasked with securing Monday’s 4th of July celebration on the Parkway were seriously injured by gunfire. Fortunately, they are recovering now.
“The investigation of this incident will be very challenging for several reasons. I would urge the press and public to remain patient and understand the Philadelphia Police and other law enforcement are working hard to know as much as possible.
“In the meantime, please know this: Deliberately shooting at another person is a very serious crime. Celebratory gunfire on any occasion or gunfire not aimed at another individual that nonetheless harms others is a very serious crime; applicable charges may range from Reckless Endangerment to Aggravated Assault to Murder. While Philadelphia Police investigate the cause of injury to the two officers last Monday, I am reminding the public that it is a crime to illegally possess or to illegally wield or discharge a firearm.
“No Philadelphian should feel helpless in this moment. We all have agency to create safer, more peaceful communities. Last month, Republican lawmakers in Harrisburg gutted popular legislation to expand background checks for firearms and ban those under 21 from obtaining assault-style weapons and inserted language that would put more guns in the hands of more people. I urge Philadelphians to join me in calling on Republican lawmakers in the General Assembly to stop playing politics with people’s lives, and to pass gun safety reforms that are being demanded by strong majorities of Pennsylvania residents.
“More unlicensed guns in the hands of more people mean more gun violence, and make solving shooting cases even harder for law enforcement. More guns also put more officers in danger. There is no excuse for why FOP leadership and police union leadership nationally aren’t vocal supporters of gun control. Plenty of good cops they (poorly) represent support gun control because gun control makes us safer. Reminder to the national and local FOP: You represent police, not the NRA and its despicable agenda, in case you forgot. It’s too late for the countless Philadelphians we’ve already lost, but you still have time to get on the right side of the fight against gun violence and to save people’s lives.
“Finally, members of the public are urged to call 911 or the Philly Police tip line, 215-686-TIPS (8477), if they have information on the July 4th event that could lead to arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for injuring the two law enforcement officers.”
CONTACT:Jane Roh, 215-686-8711, [email protected]
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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually. Learn more about the DAO by visiting PhillyDA.org.