A 14-year-old boy has been criminally charged after three teenagers were shot Friday near a Christmas rink in Philadelphia.
One of the victims, also aged 14, is hospitalized in “extremely critical condition”, a police spokesperson said on Saturday.
The incident happened shortly after 4:30 p.m. outside Philadelphia’s Christmas Village, an outdoor holiday. market located opposite the town hall. The holiday attraction in historic Downtown Philadelphia is a popular family destination that features Santa sightings, live entertainment, food vendors and more than 100 “rustic wooden cabins adorned with festive lights” .
Shots were fired near the Rothman Orthopedics Rink in Dilworth Park after a group of teenagers got into a fight, according to Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore. A teenager standing near the rink pulled out a gun and started shooting.
“People just come here to visit, spend a little money and have fun,” an eyewitness told NBC Philadelphia. “And all of a sudden, terror breaks out for no reason.”
Three boys, two aged 14 and one aged 15, were hit by the gunfire and rushed to nearby hospitals.
One of the 14-year-olds was shot in the calf and is in stable condition, CBS Philadelphia reported.
The 15-year-old had been shot in the leg and was also in stable condition at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, a police spokesperson said Saturday.
The second victim, aged 14, was shot in the face and remains in “extremely critical” condition in the same hospital.
The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, was arrested Friday. He is charged as an adult with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, conspiracy and weapons charges.
