A downtown protest in support of Venezuela turned ugly when a 22-year-old man was blasted with pepper spray in the middle of a Center City demonstration, and now Philadelphia police are asking the public to help track down the suspect caught on camera.
The incident happened during a "Rally for Venezuela" on Jan. 10 along the 800 block of Market Street, police said. The victim was hit with pepper spray, suffered blurred vision and eye irritation, and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
Police release video, ask for tips
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, the confrontation unfolded at about 1:48 p.m. as demonstrators were gathered in Center City. Police say the suspect walked up and pepper sprayed the 22-year-old man, an attack that was recorded on video.
Investigators posted the footage to social media and said the suspect appeared to spray himself in the process. Bystanders then stepped in to help him, police noted. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and remained in stable condition, NBC10 Philadelphia reported.
Context: the day's demonstrations
The Jan. 10 rally was one of several protests in Philadelphia tied to U.S. actions involving Venezuela and immigration policy, with hundreds of people converging in Center City that day. Reporters on the scene described a tense atmosphere that remained largely peaceful until the pepper spray assault broke that calm. For detailed, on-the-ground reporting from the march route and surrounding demonstrations, see Billy Penn.
Suspect description and how to report tips
Police described the suspect as a man in his 30s or 40s, about 5-foot-8 and around 170 pounds. He was wearing a red hooded jacket, tan pants, and red and black Solomon XT-6 sneakers. Anyone who recognizes him is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Central Detective Division at 215-686-3093 or 215-686-3094, or call the department tip line at 215-686-8477, NBC10 Philadelphia reported.
As of Feb. 24, 2026, police had not announced any arrests or charges in the case. Investigators said they were reviewing video and following leads, and urged anyone with information to come forward so detectives can pursue tips quickly.
