U.S. Shootings
Seven-month-old baby shot in the leg in Philadelphia by a woman: VIDEO
The baby was with his parents when a woman approached them and opened fire.
A seven-month-old baby boy was shot in the leg on Thursday evening in a shocking incident that has left the Holmesburg neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia reeling. The shooting occurred just before 6 p.m. on the 4000 block of Meridian Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
The baby was with his parents when a woman approached them and opened fire. Disturbing video footage captured the moment the assailant, described as a heavy-set African American woman with lengthy dreadlocks, walked past the family before turning back and shooting at them from close range. The attacker reportedly shouted "Fuck your baby, bitch!" before firing, striking the infant in the leg. The child's mother can be heard screaming in terror as the baby cried out in pain.
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small provided details on the incident, stating, "The preliminary investigation revealed that the gunman shot at the parents, but it was the baby who was hit. The parents were not injured."
Following the shooting, the baby's parents were not present at the scene when police arrived. A good Samaritan neighbor took the injured baby to a nearby hospital. The infant was later transferred to a second hospital by officers and is currently listed in stable condition.
About an hour after the shooting, police located the parents a few blocks away from where the incident occurred. Authorities are still trying to determine why the family was in the Holmesburg area, as they do not reside there.
The Holmesburg community is in shock and grappling with the senseless violence. Bobby DelPiano, a local resident and day care teacher, expressed his distress, saying, "I work with children. I'm a day care teacher, so it hits home."
The Philadelphia Police Department’s Shooting Investigation Group is leading the investigation. They are reviewing video footage from several cameras in the area to identify and apprehend the suspect. The gunman was last seen fleeing northbound on Meridian Street.
Two shell casings were found at the scene, and police have established a second scene at 7700 Frankford Avenue as part of their investigation. No arrests have been made yet, and the police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward by calling 215-686-TIPS.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of gun violence in Philadelphia, which has seen a rise in shootings over recent years. The city’s officials and community leaders are calling for increased efforts to address the root causes of violence and improve public safety.
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving such crimes. "We're very lucky that the 7-month-old boy is in stable condition," Small said. "We need the community's help to bring the perpetrator to justice and prevent further tragedies."
The city offers resources for individuals and communities affected by gun violence. These include counseling services, support groups, and initiatives aimed at reducing violence through community engagement and intervention programs.
As the investigation continues, the Philadelphia community remains hopeful for a swift resolution and justice for the young victim and his family. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat gun violence and ensure the safety of all residents, especially the most vulnerable.
For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to local news outlets and the Philadelphia Police Department’s announcements.