Videos show a stark contrast as two police officers in Philadelphia were shot near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in front of thousands viewing a July 4th fireworks show.
The incident occurred Monday at 9:47 p.m., near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, according to NBC10. Monday was the final day of a 16-day event known as the Wawa Welcome America Festival. Onlookers were enjoying a fireworks show following a Jason Derulo concert.
In videos posted to Twitter, pedestrians can be seen scattering after hearing gunshots.
This is a quintessentially American scene. And it’s not what real freedom looks like. pic.twitter.com/tsT62HV4px
— Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) July 5, 2022
The two officers were shot behind the concert venue, according to NBC10. One is a 36-year-old highway patrol officer and the other is a 44-year-old Montgomery County Sheriffs deputy, the Philadelphia Police Department Commissioner said. (RELATED: Arizona Officer Shot And Killed During Traffic Stop)
One officer was grazed in the head with a bullet, while another was shot in the shoulder. Both have been released from the hospital Tuesday morning, according to ABC6.
A fireworks show in Philadelphia turned chaotic Monday night after two officers were shot. Police cars and motorcycles could be seen racing toward the scene as attendees fled. A helicopter cast floodlights overhead as fireworks exploded in the distance. pic.twitter.com/YQFPi0tyYR
— David Sivak (@DISivak) July 5, 2022
The shooter has not been arrested or identified. Police are unsure if the shooting was intentional or not, according to ABC6.