Man Killed in Ambush Outside Philadelphia Mosque; Motive and Suspect Unknown
A 43-year-old man was fatally shot in an ambush outside the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society in North Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon, according to local police.
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small reported that the victim was attacked as he walked with another individual towards the mosque. Surveillance footage reveals that the assailant approached from behind and opened fire on the victim. Even after the victim fell to the ground, the shooter continued to fire, then fled the scene in a vehicle.
“This was clearly an execution-style homicide,” Small stated during a media briefing. The victim, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the head, chest, and torso, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. His identity has not yet been released.
The police recovered seventeen spent shell casings from the scene, indicating the use of a large-caliber semiautomatic weapon. Authorities have yet to arrest any suspects, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
The individual who was with the victim at the time of the attack was unharmed. Police are currently interviewing witnesses and reviewing additional surveillance footage to gather more information.
As the investigation continues, the Philadelphia Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The community remains on edge as authorities work to solve this disturbing crime.
