Witnesses are coming forward to talk about what happened when two teenagers were shot near the ice rink outside of City Hall on Friday. NBC10’s Leah Uko has the latest.
Two teenagers are hurt after a shooting near the ice rink at Dilworth Park outside of Philadelphia's City Hall, according to police.
The shooting happened around 4:40 p.m. on Dec. 13 on the west side of City Hall near 15th and Market streets, police said.
According to Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore, officers assigned to the area reported hearing four to five gun shots near the ice rink.
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The officers moved quickly to the area where the shots were fired and found two 14-year-olds suffering from gunshot wounds, Vanore explained.
"People just coming here to visit, spend a little money and enjoy themselves. And all the sudden terror breaks out for no reason," George Driver, who was visiting Dilworth Park said.
This all happened adjacent to the ice skating rink when a fight broke out between the teenagers, Vanore said. During the argument, a gun was fired.
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"It's inexcusable," Vanore told reporters at the scene. "Having a gun is dangerous at any venue."
One of the teens was shot in the face and taken to a nearby hospital where they are listed in extremely critical condition, according to police. The other victim was shot in the leg and listed in stable condition at a nearby hospital.
Vanore explained that another person, around the same age as the victims, was detained by the officers but it's unclear at this time what role that person played in this incident.
"To see the actual shell casings and like, everything. It’s just so crazy," Nina Perez, who was nearby, said.
Investigators are still looking for more witnesses and evidence as they continue to figure out what happened, Vanore said.
SkyForce10 was over the scene just before 5 p.m. where police could be seen blocking off part of the ice skating rink that was empty.
At least two vendors at the Christmas Village had their doors closed with merchandise still displayed outside.
Vendor describes witnessing the incident
One vendor, Lily Lough, was helping customers at her jewelry booth when the incident happened. Lough said that when they heard what sounded like gunshots, it took a second to register what was happening.
"We couldn't believe ourselves," Lough explained. "We just stayed down."
Once they realized there was a shooting, Lough and her customers hid under the table inside her booth and covered themselves with metal chairs.
"It was very scary," she said. "All I saw was people running away."
NBC10 crews at the scene said that the Christmas Village remains open but every business there is closed.
The skating rink will stay closed for the rest of Friday night.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.
If you have any information on this incident, please contact the Philadelphia Police Department's Shooting Investigations Group at 215-686-8270.
You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS.
This is a breaking news story. Check back here for updates.
