Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon said she was unharmed and thanked law enforcement for its quick response after she was carjacked at gunpoint at FDR Park on Dec. 22.
“The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind, but I am extremely grateful no one was hurt — including any members of my team or the families who were out enjoying the park on a beautiful winter afternoon,” Scanlon said in a statement on Dc. 23. “To everyone who has reached out to extend their thoughts and well wishes, I want to say thank you. Your kindness means so much to me, my family, and my entire team.”
According to police reports, Scanlon was at FDR Park on Pattison Avenue to attend a meeting. Scanlon was attempting to leave when she was approached by two men who pointed a gun at her and demanded the keys to her vehicle at approximately 2:45 p.m. Scanlon’s car was found at a shopping center in Newark Delaware at approximately 9 p.m. and five teenagers ranging from 13 to 19 were arrested in connection with the incident.
Scanlon said she and her staff members who were present during the carjacking were not harmed physically.
“What happened yesterday was traumatic, but I refuse to let it dampen my love for the city of Philadelphia or the gem that is FDR Park,” Scanlon said. “I care deeply for the communities in my district, and I want Philadelphia residents to know that this won’t stop me from showing up for them. I look forward to spending more time in South Philly with my constituents in 2022 and beyond.”
Scanlon, 62, represents Delaware County and parts of Chester County, Montgomery County and a section of South Philadelphia.
“The fact is, this type of crime can happen anywhere and to anyone — yesterday it happened to me,” she said. “Sadly, we know that over the course of the last year or two, since the onset of the pandemic, we have seen a spike in certain crimes across the country, including gun violence and carjacking. No one should have to experience this kind of lawlessness, and I will continue to push for resources and policies that help to reduce violence in our communities. From common sense gun safety measures and additional resources for community policing and mental health services to measures that reduce poverty and enhance job training and employment opportunities, I remain committed to delivering much-need anti-violence resources for my district.”
