Philadelphia Councilman Stabbed In Robbery: Police

PHILADELPHIA – A Philadelphia Councilman was stabbed Wednesday night outside his home in West Philadelphia. The councilman is expected to recover from the attack after undergoing surgery, according to a statement from his office. Philadelphia Councilman Stabbed In Robbery: Police

Councilman David Oh was returning to his home on the 5800 block of Thomas Avenue Wednesday at about 9:43 p.m. when a man approached him as Oh was taking items out of his vehicle, police said.

The man demanded Oh's belongings, stabbed him once in the left side, and continued swinging a knife at Oh until neighbors came outside and the attacker fled west on Thomas Avenue, police said.

Police said the attacker did not make off with any of Oh's property.

Police described the attacker as a black male in his 20s with a medium complexion and scruffy beard who was wearing black jeans, black sneakers, black shirt with white writing armed with a knife.

Police said no arrests have been made.

Oh was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he underwent surgery and is expected to recover, the councilman's office said Thursday morning.

"The Councilman thanks the medical staff, his Council and City colleagues, and the community for their prayers and support, and he looks forward to getting back to City Hall to serve Philadelphia," the statement from Oh's office reads. "He will remain at the hospital to monitor his recovery but expected to fully heal and return home soon."

Mayor Jim Kenney issued a statement on the attack early Thursday morning.

"We are all praying for Councilman Oh's quick recovery and thinking of his family during this incredibly difficult time," Kenney said in the statement. "Whenever violence happens on our streets it is a terrible tragedy. When it happens near our homes, where we are supposed to feel safe, it is all the more devastating."

Oh, 57 and a Philadelphia native, is serving his second term as an At Large member of Philadelphia City Council after being elected in 2001. In January 2016, he was elected as Council’s Minority Whip.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to call 911.

Image via City of Philadelphia