Philadelphia, PA – In a swift response to a wave of unrest and widespread looting that erupted in Center City, Philadelphia, police officers have arrested between 15 and 20 individuals, including many juveniles, as Acting Police Commissioner John Stanford informed reporters during a press conference. The authorities also recovered two firearms during the course of these arrests.
🚨Just in: Apple and many stores in Philadelphia being looted. Philly is fallen! #Philadelphia #PA #looting pic.twitter.com/hnfpAJhvIp
— Stay Frosty 🇺🇲 (@brewdoggy) September 27, 2023
The chaos began shortly after 8 p.m. when the first 911 calls reporting break-ins started pouring in. This incident unfolded shortly after a peaceful protest outside City Hall earlier in the day, following a controversial decision by a judge to dismiss murder and other charges against a Philadelphia police officer involved in the shooting death of driver Eddie Irizarry through a rolled-up car window. This decision had sparked outrage within the community.
According to Stanford, numerous 911 calls reported the presence of up to 100 young individuals moving through Center City. Videos shared on social media depicted groups forcibly entering establishments such as an Apple store, Foot Locker, and Lululemon. One video, posted on X (formerly Twitter), showed individuals wearing masks and hoodies fleeing from Lululemon, with police officers apprehending several of them, even tackling some to the sidewalk.
“Everybody must eat! Everybody must eat!” Philadelphia tonight. pic.twitter.com/hIZ5mio4Eo
— Catch Up (@CatchUpFeed) September 27, 2023
Reports have also emerged that a security guard at the Foot Locker store was assaulted during the unrest, as per CBS Philadelphia.
Tumar Alexander, the city’s managing director, expressed his disappointment at the unfolding situation, labeling it “disrespectful to the Irizarry family.” He noted that the family had been vocal in their calls for answers and justice but emphasized the importance of maintaining peace.
By late Tuesday evening, Acting Commissioner Stanford declared that the situation had largely been brought under control. He delivered a stern warning to those responsible for the disturbances, stating, “It’s not going to be tolerated. We made arrests, and we will continue to make arrests until we have all the individuals or a number of the individuals responsible for what we’ve seen tonight in custody.”
🚨#BREAKING: Large Crowds of people have started Riot and Loot multiple stores as Citywide Rapid Response has been Activated
📌#Philadelphia | #PA
Philadelphia Police have activated a citywide rapid response following large crowds of people gathering and rioting, and engaging… pic.twitter.com/ronKIax9rO
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) September 27, 2023
Stanford urged members of the public to come forward with information about the looting or the sale of stolen goods, saying, “Give us that information so that we can make those apprehensions and get those people in custody. Our city can’t afford this type of nonsense.”
The authorities remain committed to restoring order and ensuring the safety and security of the city’s residents. Further developments in this situation are expected as the investigation unfolds.
