A Memorial Day celebration turned into tragedy when two people were shot dead and several others wounded in a Pennsylvania park.
Just before 10.30pm Monday evening, multiple rounds of ‘rapid’ gunfire erupted on Lemon Hill Drive in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, where thousands had gathered to celebrate the long holiday weekend, Philadelphia police said.
When the shots were fired, a total of 11 people – ranging in age from 15 to 28 – were struck, including Amya Devlin, 23, and Mikhail Bowers, 21, who were tragically killed in the incident, CBS News reported.
Three teenagers – aged 15, 16 and 17 – were among those injured in the shooting.
An additional victim was taken to the hospital after being hit by a car in the chaos that followed, according to CBS News.
‘This is significant,’ Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said at a media briefing on Tuesday.
‘It’s Memorial Day – a day where we honor those who gave their lives in war,’ he added.
‘So we understand the significance of this event and we will make sure to provide an update later today.’
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The victims were taken to several hospitals, including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Penn Presbyterian