Philadelphia has experienced several tragic mass shootings in recent years. Two significant incidents include the Kingsessing shooting in July 2023 and the Fairmount Park shooting in May 2025. On July 2–3, 2023, a mass shooting occurred in the Kingsessing neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Five people were killed, and four others were injured. The suspect, Kimbrady Carriker, was apprehended by police without incident. First Victim: Joseph Wamah Jr. was killed around 12:30 a.m. EDT on July 2. Subsequent Shootings: On July 3, around 8:30 p.m., Carriker, wearing body armor and armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun, opened fire in southwest Kingsessing. He shot randomly at people and occupied cars, killing four more individuals and wounding four others. Apprehension: Police officers, after rendering first aid to victims, heard more gunshots and apprehended Carriker. At some point during the shooting, the brother of one of the victims returned fire in Carriker's direction; he was temporarily taken into custody but later released without charges. The five individuals who lost their lives were: Dajuan Brown, 15 Lashyd Merritt, 20 Dymir Stanton, 29 Ralph Moralis, 59 Joseph Wamah Jr., 31 Two children were among the injured: a 2-year-old boy and a 13-year-old youth. Another 2-year-old boy and a woman were injured by shattered glass. Carriker, aged 40, resided in Philadelphia. He was charged with five counts of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon. Reports indicated that Carriker made violent and disturbing posts on social media. He mentioned "evil spirits" and claimed to go on "patrols" in his neighborhood to fight crime. A will dated June 23 was found in his house. Acquaintances noted he was acting "agitated" in the days leading up to the shooting and wore a bulletproof vest around his house. Carriker was initially found unfit to stand trial due to mental health concerns. However, after receiving treatment, he was deemed competent for trial in March 2024. Both the AR-15-style rifle and 9mm handgun used by Carriker were privately made firearms without manufacturer's markings. Philadelphia filed a lawsuit against firearm component suppliers Polymer80 and JSD Supply, which are among the largest suppliers of such parts in the city.
On the night of May 26, 2025, during Memorial Day celebrations, a mass shooting occurred in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Two people were killed, and nine others were wounded. The shooting took place around 10:27 p.m. on Lemon Hill Drive at Poplar Drive. The deceased were identified as 23-year-old Amya Devlin and 21-year-old Mikhail Bowers. The injured ranged in age from 15 to 28 years old and were reported to be in stable condition at area hospitals. Authorities believe three shooters were involved, as 21 shell casings from three different weapons were recovered. No arrests have been made as of the latest reports. The area of Fairmount Park where the shooting occurred is a popular spot for cookouts and gatherings. The incident has raised concerns about safety during public events in the city.