Holly MatkinBy Holly Matkin and Christopher Berg
Philadelphia, PA – The bullet that grazed the head of one of two Philadelphia-area law enforcement officers who were shot while working at a massive Fourth of July event on Monday night was found lodged in the officer’s hat after the attack.
As many as 100,000 people had gathered to celebrate Independence Day with a concert and fireworks along the Ben Franklin Parkway when the shooting occurred near the 2500 block of Spring Garden Street at around 9:45 p.m., according to KYW.
Police said the attack occurred behind the Ferris wheel just at the Independence Day fireworks display began, WTXF reported.
The gunshots caused a stampede of people to flee from the area.
A 44-year-old Montgomery County Bomb Squad officer was shot in the shoulder and a 36-year-old Philadelphia police officer assigned to highway patrol suffered a graze wound to the head, according to WTXF.
People run for blocks from the Welcome America Festival on the Ben Franklin Parkway after two police officers were shot while working in the area of 2500 Spring Garden Street. A truly terrifying scene on what was supposed to be a night of celebration. @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/Bye1OEzQmF
— Joe Holden (@JoeHoldenCBS3) July 5, 2022
Both were rushed to Jefferson University Hospital for treatment and were released to continue their recoveries at home just hours later, FOX News reported.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 President John McNesby released stunning photos of the wounded Philadelphia police officer’s bloodied hat on Monday night, which showed the bullet that grazed his head lodged in the hatband.
“It is miraculous the fact that the round stopped in his hat,” Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said, according to FOX News. “I think initially it went up the inside and hit his forehead and then the round stopped in his hat.”
Good News: According to police on scenes both police officers shot tonight on the Parkway have just been released from the hospital. @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/xwRxSI9coB
— Chris O'Connell (@CoconnellFox29) July 5, 2022
The photo shared by McNesby also showed a blood-smeared funeral mass card for longtime PPD Chaplain Steven Wetzel, who passed away in April.
The union president said the wounded officer was extremely “lucky” that he didn’t lose his life, WTXF reported.
“It’s unbelievable,” McNesby said.
Going Home:Philadelphia Highway Patrol officer being released from the hospital with a bandage around his head after being shot tonight on the Parkway. We are waiting more details on the shooting from @PhillyPolice @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/CYBV0VPUs1
— Chris O'Connell (@CoconnellFox29) July 5, 2022
Police did not receive reports of anyone else being injured in the attack, according to WTXF.
The identity of the shooter was not immediately known, nor was the motive.
Police are investigating various tips and urged anyone with any information about the incident to contact the PPD, WTXF reported.
