Two people are shot in Philadelphia subway station just hours before Trump and Harris take on debate
Passengers were forced to flee for their lives as a gun battle broke out on a busy Philadelphia subway platform this afternoon as the presidential candidates prepared for their debate just nine blocks away.
At least one person was shot after a fight broke out on the Market-Frankford Line at Market and 15th Street around 3:30 p.m.
The city was already swarmed with police in preparation for tonight’s 9 p.m. debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump at the nearby National Constitution Center.
A spokesperson for the city’s transit network SEPTA said a “small group” of people had been arguing when one of them pulled out a gun and fired several shots, hitting one of the group members in the leg.
Philadelphia police say they arrested a 17-year-old and recovered a firearm.
At least one person was shot after a fight escalated on the Market-Frankford Line at Market and 15th Street around 3:30 p.m.
Secret Service snipers stood guard as “Trump Force One” arrived in Philadelphia this afternoon ahead of tonight’s presidential debate in the city
His 23-year-old victim was taken to Jefferson Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to police, he was also carrying a weapon and has now been arrested.
Local reporter Chris O’Connell from Fox29 There were reports that a second victim had been hit, but this has not been confirmed by police.
The subway station directly beneath Philadelphia City Hall has now reopened.
Thousands of police officers have been sent to the city centre
A spokesperson for the city’s SEPTA transit network said the station has now reopened
Harris has been in town for several days, preparing for her confrontation with the former president, who was greeted by a convoy of police officers earlier today as he arrived from his home in Florida on “Trump Force One.”
Philadelphia Police Chief Kevin J. Bethel said the city’s Office of Emergency Management will coordinate security measures ahead of the debate with both state and federal law enforcement to secure the area surrounding the event.
“Our job is to ensure the safety of both those attending the event and those who are out in the community,” he told a news conference on Monday.