Tragic shooting in Grays Ferry leaves three dead and nine injured
- A mass shooting occurred in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighborhood on July 5, 2025, leaving three dead and nine injured.
- The police estimated that over 40 individuals were present during the shooting, which involved over 100 rounds fired.
- Residents and community leaders are calling for action to address the rising gun violence in Philadelphia.
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a mass shooting occurred during the Fourth of July weekend that claimed three lives and left nine individuals wounded. The shooting took place just before 1 a.m. on July 5, 2025, on the 1500 block of South 27th Street. Reports indicate that over 40 people had gathered in the area when gunfire erupted, with multiple shooters firing over 100 rounds from various weapons. The scene has been described as chaotic, with alarming video evidence capturing individuals fleeing from the onslaught of gunfire. The Philadelphia Police Department responded immediately, with officers discovering a number of individuals suffering from serious gunshot wounds. Among the deceased were 23-year-old Zahir Wylie, who died from a gunshot wound to the chest, 19-year-old Jason Reese, who was shot in the head, and 24-year-old Aziz Harriz, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back. The injured range in age and severity of injuries, with at least one individual listed in critical condition and requiring additional medical care following initial treatment. The violence transpired against a backdrop of rising gun violence in the city, which has been grappling with numerous shootings during the holiday weekend. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel noted that the weekend saw at least six homicides, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention and community support. Community leaders and residents expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, highlighting the fear and frustration felt by those living in the area. Many voiced their displeasure regarding the accessibility of firearms, particularly those capable of automatic firing. Following the incident, concerned residents held a town hall meeting to discuss the ongoing violence and explore solutions. Many attendees expressed horror over the shooting and shared personal fears about safety in their neighborhood. The community is actively seeking ways to engage the youth in positive activities to deter violence and promote safety, while police continue to pursue leads and search for suspects involved in this tragic event. With nearly 140 pieces of ballistic evidence collected, the investigation is ongoing, and the police aim to clear this case with the high success rate associated with their Homicide Unit.