A motorcyclist was tragically killed in Philadelphia’s historic area over the weekend after being shot by a Cadillac driver. The incident occurred when a group of bikers blocked the driver’s path, leading to a confrontation that turned violent. The shooting took place near the iconic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
According to Philadelphia police, the driver and the biker group engaged in a shootout, but it remains unclear who fired the first shot. The city’s mayor, Jim Kenney, expressed his dismay over the incident, highlighting the unfortunate consequences that arise from the country’s ongoing gun violence. The 36-year-old driver, who remains unidentified, sustained a gunshot wound to the arm and sought medical treatment at a hospital. He was released on Sunday without any charges filed against him. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
The motorcyclist has been identified as 29-year-old Angel Luis Rios from the Frankford section of the city. Rios was shot twice in the torso and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Prior to the arrival of the police, a 24-year-old man who allegedly fired at the Cadillac was briefly detained by National Park Service rangers who patrol the historic area. The case has now been handed over to city homicide investigators, who will determine whether charges will be filed.
Mayor Kenney expressed gratitude towards the Philadelphia Police Department for their swift response to the situation, preventing it from escalating further. However, this incident was just one of several shootings that occurred across the city over the weekend. In another incident in north Philadelphia, a 39-year-old man was shot and killed, while two others were critically injured in a triple shooting.