A man was wounded
A 20-year-old man was wounded during Eagles celebrations in Center City on Jan. 26, 2025, after Philadelphia defeated the Washington Commanders for the NFC championship. Hundreds of fans were in the area, and a scuffle broke out on the 1300 block of Chestnut Street. Prosecutor Mackenzie McGeehan told the court that Amere Wright, who was not involved in the altercation, was accused of shooting a man. The victim was struck in the abdomen and hip and spent four days in the hospital, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Investigators used body-worn-camera, cellphone and surveillance footage to help identify Wright, Audacy reported. The victim later recovered physically, the outlet said.
The case in court
Wright, who was 18 at the time of the shooting and is now 20, pleaded guilty in August to aggravated assault and illegal firearms charges. On Thursday, Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Chesley Lightsey sentenced him to 3½ to 9 years in prison, the Inquirer reported. Prosecutor McGeehan and defense attorney Michael McDermott addressed the court at the sentencing.
Statements at sentencing
Wright apologized to the judge, saying he regretted firing his weapon and had made the wrong choice. He also said that, when younger, he had viewed carrying guns as appealing. Lightsey said the victim’s survival meant Wright avoided a possible life sentence; she said Wright’s remarks moved her and that his age and maturity informed her sentence, according to the Inquirer.
Wright told the court he had started anger-management treatment while jailed, and Lightsey urged him to continue. McGeehan said the shooting disrupted a night intended for the city to celebrate its team’s championship, the Inquirer reported.
Other incidents that night
The shooting was among several serious incidents Philadelphia police were investigating after the Eagles celebration, including other shootings, a stabbing, vandalism, an assault on an officer and a pedestrian crash, according to FOX 29.
