PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia police say they believe both bullets that wounded two uniformed law enforcement officers at the Fourth of July fireworks show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Monday night were fired from the same gun, and the person who fired the shots could have been more than a mile away at the time.
Philadelphia police say they have a pretty clear idea that those two gunshots were celebratory gunfire — bullets fired into the air to make a noise, not to strike anyone. They do not believe the officers — or anyone — was targeted, because they think the bullets were fired from probably more than a mile away.
Philadelphia Police Officer Sergio Diggs, 36, with a wound to the head, and Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputy John Foster, 44, with a wound to the shoulder, were taken to Jefferson University Hospital on Monday night. At a press conference with city officials on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner Joel Dales said both officers are at home, recovering and eager to come back to work.
Moments later, Chief Inspector Frank Vanore described what is now known about the incident. He said when Diggs and Foster were hit, 20 feet apart on the same sidewalk in front of the Art Museum steps, the bullets were traveling too slowly to do more than graze them. Both bullets were recovered. One was found lodged in Diggs’ hat; the other was found on the sidewalk.
Investigators have determined that both .40 caliber rounds were fired from the same weapon, Vanore said.
No one in the crowd reported the sound of gunfire, Vanore said, and given the speed of the bullets, and the downward trajectory of the bullet that hit Diggs, the shots were likely to have been fired upward and not deliberately at anyone — and the person who pulled the trigger was well outside the gated area on the parkway.
“They could have been on the expressway or beyond,” he said, adding that the bullets were probably just in a tumble back down to earth.
No arrests have been made. Investigators are asking anyone from within a mile and a half radius around the area, with relevant photos or videos, or any information about who fired the shots, to call 911 or submit an anonymous tip at 215-686-TIPS.
There is a reward of $42,500 for information leading to an arrest in this shooting. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5 had announced a $20,000 reward earlier this week, but it has grown after a couple of donations.
Former New York City patrolman Joseph Vanderhoff, 74, who was also shot in the line of duty through his police hat, and retired in 1980, donated $20,000. And AFSCME Local 676, representing the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, donated $2,500.
Even if the shots were celebratory, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said, in an official statement issued on Wednesday, that a serious crime has been committed.
“Deliberately shooting at another person is a very serious crime. Celebratory gunfire on any occasion or gunfire not aimed at another individual that nonetheless harms others is a very serious crime,” he said. Applicable charges might include reckless endangerment to aggravated assault
He also expressed hope, saying no Philadelphian should feel helpless amid the city’s crisis of gun violence.
“We all have agency to create safer, more peaceful communities,” he said. And he joined Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney in urging more action from lawmakers in Harrisburg on gun control.
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"This is truly a horrific event for our city,” Kenney said. "No one wants to feel unsafe when they are out."
Asked about the Hispanic Fiesta this coming weekend, and large-scale events like the FIFA World Cup matches coming in 2026, Kenney said the city will make necessary changes in security measures but will not cut back on events.
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“We need to move forward and not be paralyzed by fear,” Kenney said.
The mayor urged residents to take advantage of the Philadelphia Crisis Line, available 24/7 for anyone concerned about their mental health and emotional wellness: (215) 685-6440.
Many people left behind strollers, bicycles, wallets, handbags, cellphones and other personal items in the mad rush to safety.
Anyone looking to recover lost items can email information@welcomeamerica.com.