SWAT Officer Shot, Killed Serving Warrant In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — A SWAT officer serving a warrant Friday morning in Philadelphia was shot and killed, according to officials.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said SWAT Cpl. James O’Connor, 46, was serving a homicide warrant for Hassan Elliott, 21, at about 5:51 a.m. at home on the 1600 block of Bridge Street.

While serving the warrant, a gunman shot through a closed door, striking O'Connor in the shoulder.

He was taken to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6:09 a.m.

Another officer fired back and struck two men in the lower extremities. They were taken to Einstein and Jefferson Hospitals and are in stable condition.

Elliot was not shot and was taken into custody. At least two other occupants were taken to the homicide unit.

Elliot will be charged robbery and murder in connection with an incident in March 2019.

Mayor Jim Kenney called O'Connor's death tragic.

"Today, like every day, he demonstrated the ultimate form of heroism: putting out his uniform, leaving his family and carrying out his sworn duty to protect the residents of this city," he said. "I share my deepest condolences with those who knew and loved Corporal O’Connor."

O'Connor was a 23-year veteran of the force and has been with the SWAT team for 15 years. He was a married father of a Philadelphia Police officer and a member of the Air Force.

"I ask all Philadelphians to keep his family, and all members of the Police Department, in your prayers at this difficult time," Kenney said.

Gov. Tom Wolf said O'Connor's death is a "reminder of the dangers men and women in law enforcement face every day and the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe."

"My thoughts are with the family of Corporal O’Connor, members of the Philadelphia Police Department, and everyone affected by this act of violence," Wolf said. "More information, including funeral arrangements, will be released when appropriate. Frances and I join all Pennsylvanians in mourning the officer’s tragic death."

All City of Philadelphia flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days to remember O'Connor.

Funeral arrangements are pending.