By James Williams, Editor-in-Chief

A shooting near the Finley Recreation Center in East Mount Airy late Saturday afternoon left three teenage boys wounded and in police custody, sparking renewed concern over youth violence in the city.

The incident occurred just after 5 p.m. on the 900 block of East Upsal Street. According to Philadelphia police, at least 17 shots rang out during the chaos, causing panic in an area typically filled with families and young children.

The victims—ages 14, 15, and 16—were all found suffering from gunshot wounds. The 15-year-old, shot in the chest, is in critical condition. The 14-year-old was hit in the thigh, and the 16-year-old sustained a graze wound to the face. Both are in stable condition. All three were transported to Einstein Medical Center for treatment and are currently in police custody.

Authorities believe that at least two of the teens may have been shooters in the incident. Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace confirmed, “Those two people who we believe are also shooters were also struck by gunfire. One was shot in the chest and they’re in critical condition at Einstein. Second person was shot in the leg and is also at Einstein Hospital in stable condition.” He added, “There were a lot of kids here, and it’s very fortunate no one else was injured,” underscoring the potential for greater tragedy at the popular neighborhood rec center.

As of Sunday, no weapons have been recovered, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and encouraging community members to come forward with any information. Seventeen shots were fired. Three teens were shot and are now in custody. No additional victims have been reported. No firearms have been recovered. The investigation is ongoing.

This incident is just the latest in a troubling pattern of youth-involved gun violence in Philadelphia. Community leaders and parents continue to call for expanded resources, mentorship, and conflict resolution programs aimed at saving lives and providing alternatives to violence.

Philadelphia City Councilman Anthony Phillips, whose district includes the Finley Rec Center, released a powerful statement following the shooting:

> “I am deeply angered and heartbroken by the shooting that took place yesterday at Finley Recreation Center — just blocks from my own home. What makes this even more painful is that only hours earlier, our team had gathered at that very same location for a town hall and resource fair, joined by many of our neighbors. We left that event feeling hopeful, inspired by the energy in the room and the momentum we’re building together in 19138 and 19150.

To learn that shortly after, gunfire erupted near the rec center — where dozens of children were playing and a Women’s History Month celebration had just wrapped up — is devastating. It’s unacceptable, and it shakes me to my core as a Councilmember, as a neighbor, and as someone who deeply loves this community.

We are lifting up the young people and families impacted by this violence in prayer. I ask for God’s healing hands to bring them comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.

As the District Councilmember and Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, I take this personally. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues and the Parker Administration to take swift and decisive action. Early this week, we will convene a meeting with community leaders and neighbors to both understand what happened and collaborate on solutions that will help ensure this never happens again.

Our recreation centers are meant to be sanctuaries — places where children play freely, where elders gather, and where families come together to celebrate and build community. No one should ever have to feel unsafe in these spaces.

I want to express my deep gratitude to the 14th District of the Philadelphia Police Department, the staff at Finley Recreation Center, and the many community leaders who responded quickly and with care during such a difficult moment.

Please stay tuned — we will be sharing details about this week’s upcoming community meeting very soon. Let’s continue standing together in love, in purpose, and in the pursuit of peace for our neighborhoods.”

The community now waits for updates on the conditions of the teens involved and further details from city officials about community meetings and prevention strategies. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police tip line at 215-686-TIPS.