A 46-year-old man was shot and killed by a campaign worker in Philadelphia while distributing flyers to promote a progressive political organization ahead of the upcoming city mayoral election.
Two staffers ran into each other on the street at around 4 pm on Monday in East Germantown, 2000 block of Church Lane.
Police have not identified either staffer, but both were carrying guns as they crossed paths. Police say that the argument between the two on the street quickly became deadly after the 22-year-old drew a gun and shot the canvasser, 46.
According to police, the 46-year-old victim, who was not named, wasn’t pronounced dead until 4.24 pm, when he arrived at Albert Einstein Medical Center for treatment of a gunshot to his left armpit.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Staff Inspector Ernest Ransom of Philadelphia Police, who was recently named head of the Homicide Unit suggested this wasn’t the first time the staffers had met. They “had always been in a dispute.”
The police are investigating whether the shooting was in self-defense. The alleged gunman, who was carrying a legal firearm at the time, was immediately brought in to be questioned and is said to have been fully cooperating with police.
One PA, a progressive political group from Pennsylvania, confirmed that the victim was a member of their staff.
Steve Paul, OnePA’s Executive Director, said that “a member of the One PA team tragically died today.” The statement was released following the incident. “We mourn this senseless death and continue to gather facts and investigate the tragedy.”
It was just a few days before the 16th May Democratic primary election for mayor. Candidates are focusing on public safety as they vie to be nominated.
Helen Gym released a Twitter statement regarding the incident. She is one of the Democratic candidates for mayor.
I was devastated to hear about the tragic death of a canvasser today. My thoughts are with the family of the victim, the One PA community, and everyone impacted by this irrevocable loss. Though the canvasser was not part of our campaign, this loss is deeply felt by all of us.
— Helen Gym (@HelenGymPHL) May 9, 2023
“I was shocked to learn of the tragic death today of a canvasser.” Gym wrote: “My thoughts are with the victims’ families, the One PA Community, and all those affected by this irrevocable tragedy.” “Even though the canvasser wasn’t part of our campaign this loss is felt by all of us.”
