Gunfire at Philly BBQ Leaves 2 Dead, 9 Hurt
Memorial Day weekend is usually about honoring service members, spending time with family, and firing up the grill. But this year, a Philadelphia cookout ended not in celebration but in chaos.
Shots Fired at a Holiday Cookout
On the evening of May 27, gunfire erupted at a Memorial Day gathering in Fairmount Park, a sprawling green space in the heart of Philadelphia. As people grilled food and kids played nearby, at least 11 individuals were shot.
Two young adults, Mikhail Bowers, 21, and Amya Devlin, 23, later died at local hospitals.
Nine others were injured, including three teens between the ages of 15 and 17.
A Neighborhood in Shock
The victims were part of a crowd enjoying a holiday cookout when multiple shooters opened fire. Philadelphia police reported that at least six different firearms were used, suggesting a coordinated attack or escalating shootout. Investigators believe at least three shooters were involved, though no arrests have been made as of June 2.
Loved ones gathered later in the week to remember Bowers in Strawberry Mansion, the neighborhood where he grew up. Red and black balloons filled the sky as his family remembered him as a young father with two kids and "a good guy" trying to make ends meet, his aunt, Valerie Matthews, told ABC 6 News.
A Broader Pattern of Violence
This wasn't the only shooting in the city that day. In other parts of Philadelphia, two more incidents unfolded. One man in his 50s died from a gunshot wound to the chest following a physical altercation. In another case, an argument between neighbors ended when a 74-year-old man allegedly shot a 66-year-old man in the head. The shooter was taken into custody, while the victim remains in critical condition.
These tragedies were part of a broader, disturbing national trend. More than 10 people were killed and at least 66 others injured in violent incidents across the US over the holiday weekend.
Public Safety Response
In the aftermath, city officials moved quickly to reassure the public — particularly ahead of the Roots Picnic, an annual two-day music festival in Fairmount Park drawing tens of thousands of attendees. Philadelphia police announced increased security measures, including undercover officers, social media surveillance, and crowd monitoring to prevent similar violence during the event.
"I'm glad that Philly is taking that cautious effort to make sure we have a heightened police presence because we do want people to feel safe there," said Peter Jordan, a festivalgoer interviewed by CBS News, echoing the hopes of many as the summer kicks off.
Where the Investigation Stands
As of now, no suspects have been publicly identified in the Fairmount Park shooting. Detectives are working to track down leads and confirm whether the violence stemmed from a personal dispute or was part of a gang-related conflict. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Family members of the victims have joined in calling for justice. "It's not about the money — the reward," said Bowers' grandfather, James Hargrove, according to ABC 6 News. "I hope they come bring some justice for him. You don't need people on the street like that."
References: HOLIDAY HORROR: Ten Dead & 66 Hurt Over Memorial Day Weekend After 11 Shot in Beach Town, Family Killed in Home, & Boy Dies at Parade | Vigil Held for 21-Year-Old Killed in Fairmount Park Mass Shooting; Police Searching for Suspects | Philadelphia Police Beef Up Security for 2025 Roots Picnic, Days After Fairmount Park Mass Shooting
