Eight people were wounded early Saturday morning when gunfire erupted outside a South Philadelphia bar, police said.
The violence began shortly before 4 a.m. on July 5, when officers from the 3rd District were dispatched to 11th and Washington Avenue for a report of a person with a weapon, authorities said.
According to police, officers discovered evidence of gunfire outside the balcony entrance of 7 Elements, along with a trail of blood leading into the bar. Police and firefighters forced entry to search the premises. No further victims were found, according to police.
Investigators believe an argument outside the bar escalated into a physical fight involving knives. As security staff attempted to break up the altercation, shots were fired on the balcony, causing patrons to scatter. A security guard at the scene acknowledged firing a weapon, authorities confirmed.
Eight individuals suffered gunshot wounds. Four victims were transported by police to a nearby hospital, while four others arrived by private vehicle at three separate hospitals. All were reported to be in stable condition.
“In response to the mass shooting incident in South Philadelphia early this morning, the Office of Public Safety immediately deployed our RAPID Response protocol and is still actively engaged through several divisions today,” said Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer in a statement, adding that the Department of Licenses and Inspections revoked the lounge’s operating license for violations.
The investigation is ongoing.
