CNN
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Police said a bustling entertainment district turned into the scene of a massacre when several shooters opened fire in the South Street area of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Police Inspector DF Pace said Saturday night’s gunfire killed at least three people and 11 others.
Paes said officers patrolling the South Street area heard gunshots shortly before midnight and saw “several active shooters shooting into the crowd”.
Paes said an officer was “within about 10 to 15 yards” of one of the shooters and opened fire on the suspect. “We are unsure whether he was killed or not, but the officer was able to get the man to drop his gun and run away.”
Paes said two grenades were recovered from the spot, one with an extended magazine. But no arrest had been made till early Sunday.
The identities of the two men and one woman killed have not been released.
Violence in Philadelphia this weekend marked the sixth mass shooting in the US, according to the non-profit organization Gun Violence Archive.
“The increase in gun violence across the country and here in Philadelphia left me not only heartbroken, but angry,” Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said on Sunday.
“Once again, we see lives needlessly lost and those injured in yet another gruesome, brazen and despicable act of gun violence.”
Pace said that South Street is “known for being a corridor of entertainment” with many bars and restaurants.
“Hundreds of people were enjoying South Street, as they do every single weekend, when it started shooting.”
The motive for the shootings is not clear.
There have been at least 239 mass shootings so far this year Gun Violence Archive, CNN and Collection define a mass shooting as one in which at least four people are shot except the shooter.
The mayor said he was fed up with senseless gun violence and called for stronger laws to help prevent violent people from getting guns.
“We cannot accept continuous violence as a way of life in our country. Until we address firearms availability and ease of access, we will always fight an uphill battle,” Kenny said.
“I will continue to fight to protect our communities and urge others to advocate for stronger laws that keep guns out of the hands of violent individuals.”
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner called for a boycott of the National Rifle Association charities and lobbyists.
“After the horrific crimes on South Street last night tell our Pennsylvania legislators that it’s time for real action,” Krasner tweeted sunday.
“Boycott NRA lobbyists, boycott NRA donations, and bring real common sense gun regulation to Pennsylvania. Now.”