Philly Officers Released From Hospital After Fireworks Shooting: Latest Updates

PHILADELPHIA — Two police officers were shot Monday night in Philadelphia during a Fourth of July fireworks display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. A $20,000 reward has been posted for the shooter, who remains on the run, authorities said.

The incident occurred at about 9:47 p.m. Monday, authorities said.

The shooting occurred somewhere behind the Ferris wheel on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Shot were Sergio Diggs, a 36-year-old member of the Philadelphia Police Department's highway patrol and Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputy John Foster, 44, who was assigned to the bomb squad task force.

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency of Management on social media said at the time a "security incident" occurred at the event.

Diggs is a 13 year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department.

Foster is a 17-year veteran of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

The highway patrolman was grazed by a bullet on his forehead and the deputy was grazed by a bullet on his shoulder, according to officials.

A photo from the city's police union showed a bullet lodged in the highway patrolman's hat, and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw called it a miracle that the hat stopped the bullet.

Both were taken to a hospital and released not long after being admitted.

Witnesses said crowds at the event, which featured a concert with Ava Max and Jason Derulo and ended with fireworks, said at one point attendees began running after hearing shots fired.

Despite the reports of shots being fired near the popular event, the fireworks continued as news and police helicopters scanners the area.

Mayor Jim Kenney during a news conference early Tuesday said he cannot wait to not be mayor.

"I'm waiting for something bad to happen all the time," Kenney said. "I'll be happy when I'm not mayor, so I can enjoy some stuff."

Police are still working to identify and arrest a gunman or gunmen in the incident.

Anyone who was in the area of 2500 Benjamin Franklin Parkway that may have witnessed anything unusual leading up to or immediately following the shooting of a Philadelphia Police Officer and a Montgomery County Sheriff’s Officer to please contact the Philadelphia Police Department.

Tips can be submitted by calling or texting 215-686-8477 or online here.

Tipsters can remain anonymous.

Police are also asking anyone who was taking photos or videos in the area of 2500 Benjamin Franklin Parkway at the time of the incident to submit their pictures or recordings to tips@phillypolice.com.