The bullet matched the one found lodged in the hat of a Philadelphia police officer who suffered a head injury, sources said. From FOP President John McNesby: He just left the hospital after spending time with injured police officers. He says they are both fine and alert. He says the angels were with the officer at the head. The bullet hit his cap. Share this photo @6abc pic.twitter.com/ZqZcUWoKc1 — Sharifa Jackson 6abc (@SharifaJackson) July 5, 2022 It is not yet known who fired those shots or why. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the shooter. Reward offered by Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5. The shooting happened just after 9:45 p.m. Monday in the 2500 block of Spring Garden as the fireworks display was still going on. Sources tell Action News they believe the shooting erupted from a location in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art but behind the main stage at Eakins Oval. Celebrants are seen running down the Ben Franklin Parkway after gunfire erupted. A pair of shoes and a pram were among other personal belongings left behind on the parkway amid the chaos that erupted during last night’s fireworks display. @6abc pic.twitter.com/F4ZnqtqDql — Chuck Purnell (@ChuckP6abc) July 5, 2022 The injured Highway Patrol officer has been identified as 36-year-old Sergio Diggs, a 13-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department. “It’s a miracle the round stopped in his hat. First, I think, it went up inward, hit his forehead, and then the round stopped in his hat,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said during a press conference shortly after midnight. Tuesday. The second officer, identified as 44-year-old Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy John Foster, who was assigned to the bomb squad, suffered a wound to the right shoulder. MCSO Dept. John Foster and a Philadelphia police officer were injured by gunfire last night while providing security for the Fourth of July celebration. Foster and the officer were treated and released from the hospital The MCSO family thanks you for your well wishes and support. pic.twitter.com/S2xwzIjoTM — Montco Sheriff (@MontCoPASheriff) July 5, 2022 Foster, a 17-year veteran of the MCSO, has been a member of the bomb squad for three years. He was assisting Philadelphia police for Party of the Parkway, as law enforcement from surrounding counties often do during major events in the city. Both officers were taken to Jefferson University Hospital where they were treated and released early Tuesday morning. Highway Patrol and other Philadelphia police officers were in formation outside the hospital, greeting and applauding the injured officers as they went home to recover. One of the injured could be seen with a bandage on his head. “While we are thankful that Deputy Foster and the injured Philadelphia officer are safe, we are troubled by the violence that turned what should have been a celebration into a near tragedy,” MCSO said in a statement. RELATED: ‘Like the running of the bulls’: Witnesses describe chaotic scene at Party on the Parkway shooting Outlaw said the officers did not hear any gunshots. So far there is no information on a suspect or arrests in the shooting. Police are asking anyone with information or who may have a photo or video of the shooting to call them at 215-686-TIPS (8477). The circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation. Outlaw said it’s not yet known if the shooting was intentional or if the officers were hit by stray bullets — or if the bullets came from celebratory gunfire. Mayor Jim Kenney, who was also at the news conference, didn’t mince words when asked about the city’s gun crisis. “If I could take care of the guns. I would. But the legislature won’t let us. The U.S. Congress won’t let us. The governor is doing his best. Our Attorney General is doing his best. But this is a gun country. It’s crazy,” he said. “We are the most armed country in the history of the world and we are one of the least safe,” he continued. “Well, you know, until the American people decide they want to give up their guns and give up the opportunity to get guns, we’re going to have this problem.” Kenney also said he is constantly concerned about safety and will be happy when he is no longer mayor. “I worry every day. There isn’t an event or a day that goes by that I don’t lay on my back at night staring at the ceiling and worrying about things. So everything we’ve had in town for the past seven years, I’m worried. I don’t enjoy the 4th of July. I did not enjoy the Democratic National Convention. I didn’t enjoy the NFL draft,” he said. “I keep waiting for something bad to happen. I’ll be happy when I’m not mayor and I can enjoy some things,” Kenney said. In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Kenney disputed that comment and said the statement was made during a “late night, overwhelming moment of frustration.” “I said I’m looking forward to not being mayor anymore. Let me be clear, I’m incredibly grateful to be mayor of this great city and for the people who elected me to lead it,” Kenney said. For people who fled the shooting during the Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, the city has created a lost and found. Many people ran for cover, leaving behind lawn chairs, baby carriages, clothes and other items. The city collects items that you can retrieve by emailing [email protected] The city also reminds people who may be experiencing trauma to call the Philadelphia Crisis Line at (215) 685-6440. This line is open 24/7. Meanwhile, Philadelphia police are asking anyone with tips, photos or videos that may help the investigation to call 215-686-TIPS (8477), visit this page at PhillyPolice.com or email tips @phillypolice.com. Copyright © 2022 WPVI-TV. All rights reserved.
