Gun violence

Bullets Whiz Past Security Guard Outside Philly City Hall. Police Search for Shooter

Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small says that "luckily" no one was hit by the bullets

NBC Universal, Inc.

Shattered glass marked where Philadelphia police say that someone fired at a security guard near the ice skating rink outside City Hall overnight.

"Luckily," no one was hurt in the shooting on Dilworth Plaza around 11:30 p.m. Monday, police said.

When police officers arrived they were met by a security guard -- in uniform and unarmed -- who told them that he had asked a group of people to leave the area near the ice skating rink when one of the men in the group began arguing and refused to leave.

"Then the security guard and this individual who didn't want to leave actually got into a physical altercation," Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said. "That's when the perpetrator pulled a gun and fired two shots at the security guard."

One of the bullets went through the window of the enclosed Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink café, shattering the glass, Small said, while noting the security guard was "luckily" not struck.

"It was a fight that escalated into a shooting," Small said.

Surveillance video released by police shows the gunman firing in the direction of the security guard then appearing to calmly walk away.

Police described the shooter as thin-built man with a beard who appeared to be in his 20s who stands around 6-feet tall. He has silver braces with black rubber bands. He wore a New Balance T-shirt, dark hooded jacket, jeans with designer holes and light colored sneakers at the time of the shooting, police said.

Shattered glass marked where Philadelphia police say that someone fired at a security guard near the ice skating rink outside City Hall Monday night. Now police hope surveillance images help lead to the arrest of the gunman.

After the shooting, the gunman fled down South Broad Street, investigators said.

Anyone who spots the man is urged to call 911, police said. Police are also seeking any tips about the incident.

There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.

Contact Us