A man tragically lost his life to gun violence yesterday in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood while reportedly holding his child, local officials said. The incident occurred on the 3200 block of D Street around 6:30 p.m. when two gunmen opened fire, striking the man multiple times. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small relayed to FOX29 that the man was shot outside his home and was found holding his 1-year-old son.

The 24-year-old victim was rushed to Temple University Hospital but succumbed to his injuries, which included gunshot wounds to the head, chest, and torso. The child, initially believed to be unharmed, was later found to have grazed wounds and scratches, likely from being dropped during the shooting as per family statements obtained by The Inquirer. The baby was taken to Nazareth Hospital in a private vehicle and is reported to be in stable condition.

Investigators pieced together a portion of the fatal incident through private surveillance footage. They observed two assailants wearing all black and riding a red scooter southbound on the one-way street prior to the shooting and subsequently fleeing northbound post-attack, as detailed by the NBC Philadelphia report. Around 25 spent shell casings were discovered at the scene, indicating the extent of the gunfire, yet no arrests have been immediately made nor weapons recovered at this time. The detectives are actively pursuing the suspects and motives behind the horrifying act.

The death marks another instance in an ongoing struggle against gun violence in Philadelphia. Despite the year-to-date homicide total being down 38% from last year, as per figures cited by NBC Philadelphia, the community is again left grappling with the impact of persistent shootings. The casualty has become part of a tally that counts at least 184 individuals killed in Philadelphia in 2024. Police are encouraging anyone with information to come forward and contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS (8477).