Philadelphia police kill man during struggle over weapon

In the United States, on May 21, 2025, Bruce Harry Garcia, a 25-year-old man, was fatally shot by two police officers in Philadelphia's Fairhill neighborhood. According to police reports, the incident began when officers Edward Lane and Matthew Galdo, who were in their marked patrol car, spotted Garcia holding a black bag around 6:45 p.m. As the officers attempted to stop him, Garcia fled on foot along Somerset Street. The foot pursuit ended at the intersection of Mutter and Somerset streets, where Garcia engaged in a struggle with the officers in an attempt to access a handgun inside his bag. During the confrontation, the officers tackled Garcia to prevent him from reaching the firearm. In the course of the struggle, both officers discharged their weapons, striking Garcia in the chest. He subsequently dropped the gun and the black bag. Garcia was quickly transported to Temple University Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at 6:55 p.m. Both officers involved in the incident sustained minor injuries but did not require medical assistance. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the two officers were wearing body cameras, which recorded parts of the incident; however, the cameras were dislodged during the struggle. Additional surveillance footage from the scene and the footage recorded by another officer’s body camera contributed to the ongoing investigations. Authorities stated that Garcia's firearm was inside a bag at the time it was fired, which allegedly prevented it from recoiling properly. Following the shooting, Lane and Galdo have been placed on administrative duty as per procedural policy while the investigation continues. The Philadelphia Police Department confirmed that this incident is currently under investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and to ensure accountability. Investigators are reviewing all available videos and soliciting any additional evidence from the public. This incident has sparked an outpouring of reactions, with community members calling for further examination of police practices, especially regarding mental health interventions during incidents involving individuals displaying erratic behavior.