Police shot and critically wounded a man who opened fire near City Hall causing chaos and panic this morning.
Authorities were called to the scene on North Broad Street outside the Masonic Temple around 6:20 a.m. after receiving a report of a man firing a gun. A lengthy standoff ensued, with police closing off North Broad all the way to Race Street and parts of John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
Police negotiators tried to de-escalate the situation, but officials said the man’s speech was incoherent and that he would not comply with officers’ instructions. The gunman eventually raised his gun in the air, police said, and officers firied several shots wounding him multiple times.
The suspect was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital in critical condition. His identity has not been released, but sources said he is 22 years old and suffers from mental illness.
The incident began when the man pulled out the gun and began pacing North Broad in front of the temple and Arch Street United Methodist Church, according to eyewitnesses.
No other injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation.
SEPTA has resumed normal service, after suspending and detouring bus, subway and trolley service near City Hall. The streets have also reopened to car and pedestrian traffic.
