Two children, 10 and 11, are among four shot after gunman opened fire at recreation center in Philadelphia
There were around 75 children in the pool at the Christy Rec Center pool at around 5pm when the unidentified assailant opened fire at people standing outside, shooting four people, including a 10 and an 11 year old, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said at an evening news conference.
The two children suffered graze wounds and 'will be fine,' along with an employee at the recreation center.
A fourth individual between the ages of 17 and 20, however, is in 'very critical condition' after being shot multiple times in the back.
It is now believed the gunman had gotten into a fight with other individuals at the recreation center hours before the shooting, and returned to the scene with a weapon.
'It's difficult for me today because I grew up here,' Bethel said. 'This is a pool that I grew up in. I lived only two blocks away.
'This was always a safe place for us as children to come,' he added, as he expressed his shock that parents who left their children to enjoy the pool had to 'pick them up at the hospital.'
Bethel then vowed to bring all of those responsible for the shooting to justice.
Mayor Cherelle Parker also vowed to take action.
'I want to be very clear that our swimming pools have to be, must be and will be safe havens for our young people and families, especially as we deal with the elements of this summer,' she said.
'We've got to do whatever it takes to make sure that that is the reality that we live.'
The recreation center will now be closed on Thursday, as crisis counselors meet with those who were at the scene.
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