A 23-year-old man was shot multiple times on a SEPTA train platform below Philadelphia’s City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, just under a mile from the presidential debate venue.
Police apprehended a 17-year-old in connection with the incident, which they believe stemmed from a fight involving a small group. The 23-year-old is also in police custody, according to a police spokesperson.
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“The scene is secure, and one suspect has been detained,” the spokesperson stated. “A firearm was recovered at the scene.”
Approximately two hours post-incident, SEPTA confirmed on social media that “police activity had cleared,” and train services were restored. Initially, trains had been bypassing the station in both directions.
MFL [L]: Police activity has cleared, and trains have resumed normal service along the line. 5th Street Station is closed due to the Presidential debate. Expect residual delays as operations return to full capacity.
— SEPTA (@SEPTA) September 10, 2024
Due to heightened security around the presidential debate, SEPTA announced changes to service, while city buses were diverted because of planned protests near City Hall.
Rte 38,44,48,17,33: Due to protests near City Hall, buses will divert to Chestnut Street between Broad and Front Streets until further notice.
— SEPTA (@SEPTA) September 10, 2024
The nearby National Constitution Center SEPTA stop at 5th Street and Independence Hall was already scheduled to be closed throughout the debate.
This shooting occurred just hours before the highly anticipated first—and possibly only—presidential debate featuring Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. It serves as a reminder that while crime rates have decreased since the pandemic’s peak, it remains an important topic in the current election cycle.
Trump has linked illegal immigration to crime rates, recently warning that removing migrants from the U.S. would lead to violence if he wins the upcoming election.
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During a recent Economy Club of New York meeting, Trump assured attendees that he would bring “low crime” levels, along with low taxes and regulations, promising that his plan would take care of inflation and restore economic growth.
In response to a deadly school shooting in Georgia that claimed four lives, Trump expressed his condolences on social media, calling it a tragedy and condemning the shooter. The Republican nominee has pledged to overturn gun control measures implemented under President Joe Biden.
Harris also addressed last week’s school shooting in her speech, highlighting the ongoing concerns parents face about their children’s safety in schools.
“Every day, parents worry if their child will return home alive,” Harris remarked. She recounted how shocked she was when students she spoke to confirmed they had all participated in active shooter drills.
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Trump has often criticized Harris for being lenient on crime, pointing out her support for the First Step Act, which aimed to reduce certain prison sentences and facilitate early releases.
Having served as California’s attorney general, Harris has prosecuted various serious crimes, creating a complex backdrop to their ongoing political rivalry.