A 17-year-old was killed, and four others were injured in a targeted shooting at a North Philadelphia SEPTA bus stop.
The police believe the attack was aimed at the young boy, sparking a community outcry against gun violence.
Key Takeaways:
- A 17-year-old boy was killed in a targeted shooting at a North Philadelphia bus stop.
- Four others, including two women on a bus, were injured in the attack.
- Police are investigating, and there is a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Attack at Bus Stop Leaves One Dead and Four Injured
A tragic shooting occurred at a North Philadelphia SEPTA bus stop on the afternoon of March 4, 2024, resulting in the death of 17-year-old Dayemen Taylor.
The incident, described as a targeted attack by police, also left four others injured, including two women on a bus.
Suspects Fire 50 Rounds and Flee
The shooting took place just before 3:45 p.m. at the intersection of Ogontz and Godfrey Avenues.
According to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, two gunmen fired over 50 rounds with an automatic weapon into a group of young people waiting at the bus stop.
The suspects fled the scene immediately after the attack.
“Multiple rounds were fired,” Bethel said during a news conference. “It definitely appears that our decedent was targeted.”
Casualties and Community Shock at Bus Stop Shooting
Dayemen Taylor, a 17-year-old junior from Fern Rock and a student at Imhotep Institute Charter High School, was shot multiple times and succumbed to his injuries shortly after being taken to the hospital.
A 15-year-old boy suffered a graze wound to his shoulder, and a 14-year-old boy was treated for a gunshot wound to his backside. Both boys are in stable condition.
Two women on the SEPTA Route 6 bus were also injured. A 50-year-old woman was grazed in the forearm, and a 71-year-old woman was shot in the head.
Both women are being treated and are in stable condition.
Community Mourns Loss and Addresses Safety Issues
The community, particularly Imhotep Institute Charter High School, where Taylor was a student, is mourning his loss.
The school was closed on Tuesday, and students attended classes virtually to ensure their safety.
“The Imhotep Institute Charter High School family has a heavy heart today,” the school stated. “The last 24 hours have been our greatest fear, one of our young kings killed by gun violence.”
On Wednesday, family and friends held a balloon release outside the school to honor Taylor’s memory.
His cousin, Pastor Deice, expressed the family’s grief and refuted claims that Taylor was targeted due to any involvement in street activities.
Authorities Condemn Violence and Call for Action
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner condemned the shooting, emphasizing the need to address the broader issues of gun violence and the prevalence of illegal firearms.
He stated, “There is no compromise with people who shoot juveniles and kill them.”
Philadelphia Police reported 55 homicides in 2024, a decrease from the previous year, but emphasized that even one death is too many.
They continue to investigate the incident, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Surveillance Captures Panic Amids the Shooting
Surveillance footage captured the chaotic moments during the shooting, with people ducking for cover and running off the bus.
The bus, which had multiple bullet holes, stopped several blocks away, and the driver quickly sought safety.
SEPTA Boosts Security Measures After Tragic Incident
SEPTA has pledged to increase police presence on buses and utilize virtual patrols to ensure passenger safety.
“This was a horrific incident that claimed one life and left several others injured,” said SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch.
“We provide 700,000 passenger trips a day, and incidents like this are extremely rare. But even one is unacceptable.”
Urgent Calls for Solutions to Gun Violence
The community’s frustration with ongoing gun violence was echoed by Taylor’s former coach, Marc Bredell.
“My question to the city is, ‘What are we going to do?’” he asked. “We keep talking about crime prevention, but what are we doing?”
Philadelphia Police have reminded the public of a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact them.
