Current:Home > reviewsPoinbank:Man killed execution style in hail of gunfire outside Philadelphia mosque; no arrests -Thrive Financial Network
Poinbank:Man killed execution style in hail of gunfire outside Philadelphia mosque; no arrests
Indexbit View
Date:2025-04-08 07:37:43
A 43-year-old man has been killed outside a Philadelphia mosque in an execution-style shooting that's been condemned by Pennsylvania's governor.
Officers found the man,Poinbank later identified as Raheem Jefferson, unresponsive on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds on Tuesday afternoon, including at least one to his head and multiple to his torso, according to the Philadelphia Police Department. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly afterward.
The killer fired at least 17 shots using a large-caliber semi-automatic weapon, police Chief Inspector Scott Small said a news conference on Wednesday. Security footage reviewed by police shows Jefferson and another man walking to the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society for prayer service when a suspect approaches from behind before opening fire, Small said.
"It's all caught on camera," Scott told reporters. "The shooter stands over the victim from just a few feet away and continues firing shots at this 43-year-old victim while he lays on the parking lot. So clearly, an execution-type homicide."
Suspect remains at large with motive uncertain
No arrests have been made in the case and police haven't determined a motive but Small said it appears Jefferson was the intended target of the crime.
The shooter was seen getting into a vehicle and fleeing the parking lot while wearing dark-colored clothing, Small said.
A $20,000 reward has been offered for anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
The shooting happened at the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society mosque, established in 1989 in the lower northeast neighborhood of Kensington. Its goal is to "maintain the Islamic Identity and to protect and sustain the Islamic Community in Philadelphia," according to its website.
Governor comments on shooting
Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro condemned the incident on X and shared his condolences.
"Violence outside of a house of worship is deeply painful and traumatizing for those simply showing up to worship and practice their faith," Shapiro wrote. "As an investigation into this killing proceeds, I'm praying for Philadelphia's Al-Aqsa Islamic Society community, a place I’ve been several times, and hoping they find peace in each other and in their faith."
veryGood! (4)
Related
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- 4 people found dead inside Texas home after large fire
- Alaska whaling village teen pleads not guilty to 16 felony counts in shooting that left 2 dead
- Montana Rep. Rosendale drops US House reelection bid, citing rumors and death threat
- Trump's 'stop
- Indiana lawmakers pass bill defining antisemitism, with compromises
- Wolfgang Van Halen slams ex-bandmate David Lee Roth's nepotism comments
- The Rock joining Roman Reigns for WrestleMania 40 match against Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Feds detail ex-Jaguars employee Amit Patel's spending on 'life of luxury'
Ranking
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Teen arrested after 4 children, 2 adults found dead at house in Canada: Tragic and complex investigation
- Who is Katie Britt, the senator who delivered the Republican State of the Union response?
- ‘Oh my God feeling.’ Trooper testifies about shooting man with knife, worrying about other officers
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Former president of Honduras convicted in US of aiding drug traffickers
- Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is planning a fifth walk down the aisle this June
- NHL trade grades: Champion Golden Knights ace deadline. Who else impressed? Who didn't?
Recommendation
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
Bill to protect election officials unanimously passes Maryland Senate
Witnesses in Nigeria say hundreds of children kidnapped in second mass-abduction in less than a week
Pitch Perfect's Adam Devine and Wife Chloe Bridges Welcome First Baby
Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
Veteran Miami prosecutor quits after judge’s rebuke over conjugal visits for jailhouse informants
Witnesses in Nigeria say hundreds of children kidnapped in second mass-abduction in less than a week
'Love is Blind' reunion trailer reveals which cast members, alums will be in the episode