US: 3 dead, 11 injured in Philadelphia shooting
What's the story
Three persons were killed and 11 others were wounded on Saturday (local time) after multiple shooters opened fire on a crowd in the US city of Philadelphia, according to police. The incident took place on a busy boulevard known for its nightlife. Two men and a woman were killed in the incident, said authorities. Officers reported seeing numerous active shooters firing into the crowd.
Context
Why does this story matter?
In recent weeks, the United States has been shaken by a succession of high-profile shootings, including at a school in Texas, a church in California, a grocery store in New York, and an Oklahoma hospital. Numerous people have died as a result of the incidents. The incidents have led to additional calls for gun control legislation in the United States.
Incident
How witnesses narrated the incident?
Witnesses of the shooting recounted the incident, describing it as a stressful situation. "Once it started I didn't think it was going to stop," Joe Smith, 23, told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "There was guttural screaming," he added. Eric Walsh, another witness, said the streets were smeared with blood. He described people leaving the site in panic and in ragged clothing.
Quote
Another person shot dead two hours later
As per police officials, The Inquirer reported that another person was fatally shot dead just blocks away from the scene two hours after the first shooting. However, the police said that the two incidents were not believed to be linked.
Details
Summer sees spike in gun violence in US
In the United States, gun violence typically rises during the summer. According to estimates, approximately 393 million weapons were in circulation in the country by 2020. In response to the recent carnage, US President Joe Biden called for new gun control legislation last week. Many senators convened on Thursday to discuss gun control measures, although Republicans have traditionally opposed stricter gun laws.
Gun lobby
About the NRA in US
The National Rifle Association, or the NRA, is considered to be the most powerful gun rights organization in the US. It has rejected most initiatives to prevent mass shootings, including expanding background checks on gun purchases. However, its influence has waned as it has become entangled in legal battles linked to a corruption scandal. Notably, the US has witnessed 214 mass shootings this year.