Walter Wallace Jr. shooting: Pennsylvania National Guard deployed to Philadelphia to deter rioting
PHILADELPHIA – More than two dozen police officers were injured during protests overnight after Philadelphia police shot and killed an armed Black man Monday afternoon, authorities said.
Protesters confront police during a march, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Philadelphia.
Protesters confront police during a march Tuesday Oct. 27, 2020, in Philadelphia.
Protesters confront police during a march, Tuesday Oct. 27, 2020, in Philadelphia.
A Philadelphia police officer is silhouetted behind a shield during a demonstration in Philadelphia, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.
A man attempts to extinguish a sofa that was lit on fire in his street by protesters in West Philadelphia on October 27, 2020, during a demonstration against the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Walter Wallace, a Black man, by police.
Protesters march through West Philadelphia on October 27, 2020, during a demonstration against the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Walter Wallace, a Black man, by police.
A demonstrator, wearing a protective face mask, holds a placard reading "WALTER WALLACE JR." during a protest near the location where Walter Wallace Jr. was killed by two police officers on October 27, 2020, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Protesters march through West Philadelphia on October 27, 2020, to protest the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Walter Wallace, a Black man, by police.
Philadelphia police stand in position during a march by protesters Tuesday Oct. 27, 2020, in Philadelphia.
Protesters gather for a march Tuesday Oct. 27, 2020, in Philadelphia.
Demonstrators gather in protest near the location where Walter Wallace Jr. was killed by two police officers on October 27, 2020, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia police officers form a line during a demonstration in Philadelphia, late Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.
Update 7:08 p.m. EDT Oct. 27: Gov. Tom Wolf activated the Pennsylvania National Guard early Tuesday evening and deployed them to Philadelphia ahead of what officials fear could become a second night of riots.
Lt. Col. Keith Hickox said in a statement issued Tuesday that several hundred guardsmen will assist local agencies in “protecting life, property and the right to peacefully assemble and protest.”
“We are able to conduct operations in support of civil authorities to enhance local law enforcement’s ability to provide continued public safety and critical infrastructure security,” Hickox added.
Sharif Proctor lifts his hands up in front of the police line during a protest in response to the police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, in Philadelphia.
A police car burns during a protest in response to the police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., late Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, in Philadelphia.
People gather in protest in response to the police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., early Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Philadelphia.
Fireworks explode in the sky during a protest in response to the police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., early Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Philadelphia.
Police officers move in formation during a protest in response to the police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, in Philadelphia.
People gather in protest in response to the police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, in Philadelphia.
People stand near the scene of a police shooting in Philadelphia, Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, after police officers fatally shot a man during a confrontation.
People gather in protest in response to the police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, in Philadelphia.
An officer shoves backward a man trying to talk to protesters being handcuffed and loaded into a police van along 52nd Street in West Philadelphia in the early hours of Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.
Police lead several people in handcuffs to a police van on 52nd Street in West Philadelphia in the early hours of Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.
Police order an Inquirer photographer to move back as they detain protesters along 52nd Street in West Philadelphia in the early hours of Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.
Police charge at a crowd along 52nd Street in West Philadelphia in the early hours of Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.
Neighbors and family of Walter Wallace Jr., pray following his shooting by the police Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, in Philadelphia.
Police clear a section of 52nd Street in West Philadelphia early Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.
Police handcuff a protester after charging at a crowd gathered at 52nd and Walnut Streets in West Philadelphia, early Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.
Police shove back a woman who was arguing with them just off 52nd Street in West Philadelphia in the early hours of Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.
A police officer lies on the ground before being loaded into an ambulance on 52nd Street in West Philadelphia in the early hours of Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020.
Police officers move in formation during a protest in response to the police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Police Department will also intensify its presence across the city, city leaders told Fox News.
“For today and this evening, we anticipate the chance of additional incidents of civil unrest and, as such, we will be taking additional steps to ensure order,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said during a news conference, alongside Mayor Jim Kenney and other city leaders.
Original story: According to WCAU-TV, 30 officers, including one who was hospitalized after a vehicle struck her, were hurt during the protests, which erupted after police fatally shot 27-year-old Walter Wallace Jr. in West Philadelphia, authorities said.
Police said they responded to Locust Street about 4 p.m. Monday after receiving a report that a man was armed with a knife, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Authorities said the man, later identified as Wallace, ignored police orders to put down his knife and instead started to approach the officers, the newspaper reported. Two officers then opened fire, killing him, authorities said.
>> Click here to see bystander video of the incident (WARNING: Graphic content. Viewer discretion advised.)
In statements Monday evening, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said the Police Department’s officer-involved shooting investigation unit would be reviewing the incident, WCAU reported.
“While at the scene this evening, I heard and felt the anger of the community,” Outlaw said in the statement. “Everyone involved will forever be impacted. I will be leaning on what the investigation gleans to answer the many unanswered questions that exist. I also plan to join the mayor in meeting with members of the community and members of Mr. Wallace’s family to hear their concerns as soon as it can be scheduled.”
Kenney expressed condolences to Wallace’s family and friends. He also said he has watched the viral video of the shooting, according to WCAU.
“I look forward to a speedy and transparent resolution for the sake of Mr. Wallace, his family, the officers and for Philadelphia,” Kenney said in the statement.
Protesters took to the streets following the deadly shooting, marching from Malcolm X Park to the Pine Street police station, according to the Inquirer. Later, many took to the city’s 52nd Street corridor, where police said looting and vandalism occurred, the newspaper reported.
During the unrest, someone set fire to a police car, and some demonstrators threw bricks and rocks at officers, according to WCAU. A truck also ran over a 56-year-old police sergeant, breaking her leg, authorities said.
