The suspect, a 40-year-old man, was arrested after a brief chase, officials said.
The shootings occurred in the Kingsessing neighborhood over several city blocks. Police responded swiftly, pursuing the suspect who continued to fire until he eventually surrendered and was arrested in an alley.
The motive behind the shootings remains unknown, but police believe that the suspect deliberately targeted individuals after leaving his residence. The suspect was found in possession of a bulletproof vest, an "AR-type rifle," multiple magazines, a handgun, and a police scanner.
The victims, all males, ranged in age from 20 to 59, except for one unidentified individual estimated to be between 16 and 21 years old. Two boys, aged 2 and 13, were injured and are currently in stable condition.
This shooting incident occurred a day after a separate outbreak of gunfire at a block party in Baltimore, resulting in two deaths and 28 injuries. The wounded in that incident included minors aged 13 to 32, according to officials.
Police are still investigating the motive behind the shootings and ask anyone with information to come forward.
The recent mass killings in Philadelphia and Baltimore are just the latest in a long line of tragedies that have plagued the United States. These shootings are a reminder of the urgent need for action to address gun violence in our country.
The United States has a uniquely high rate of mass shootings compared to other developed countries.
In 2022, there were 611 mass shootings in the United States, resulting in the deaths of 1,053 people and the injury of 2,140 others.
This is a staggering number, and it is clear that the officials need to do more to prevent these tragedies from happening. (ILKHA)