Mass Shooting at Philadelphia Block Party Leaves 3 Dead, 10 Injured — Victims Identified as Zahir Wylie, Jason Reese, and Azir Harris

PHILADELPHIA, PA — July 9, 2025 — What began as a community memorial and summer block party turned into a devastating massacre in the early hours of Sunday, July 7, when gunfire erupted on the 1500 block of South Etting Street in Philadelphia’s Grays Ferry neighborhood. The mass shooting left three young men dead and 10 others injured, all between the ages of 15 and 24, in what police are calling one of the most violent attacks in the city so far this year.

The entire shooting was captured on a Ring surveillance camera, providing chilling footage that shows gunmen opening fire into a crowd of up to 300 people who had gathered to honor the memory of a recently deceased loved one.

Victims Identified: Young Lives Lost to Gun Violence

Philadelphia authorities have identified the three men who were killed in the shooting:

• Zahir Wylie, 23, from Marilyn Road, was shot in the chest and pronounced dead at the scene at 1:30 a.m.
• Jason Reese, 19, from Media Street, sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at 1:31 a.m.
• Azir Harris, 24, from College Avenue, suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the back and died at 2:16 a.m. at a local hospital.

Azir Harris was particularly well known in the community as a gun violence survivor and advocate. In 2018, he had been paralyzed in a previous shooting and later dedicated his life to raising awareness about urban violence and mentoring youth in his neighborhood.

“He survived once. He was trying to live right, speak truth, and help others stay out of trouble,” said a family friend. “Now he’s gone. How do we even begin to process this?”

Ten Others Injured — Several in Critical Condition

In addition to the fatalities, ten other individuals were injured in the hail of bullets, including both males and females ranging from 15 to 24 years old. Several were critically wounded, while others have since been stabilized.

Witnesses described a terrifying and chaotic scene.

“There were kids running, people screaming, hiding under cars, blood on the pavement,” said one 18-year-old who was at the event. “It was supposed to be a peaceful night. And now it’s a nightmare.”

Caught on Camera: Police Use Surveillance in Ongoing Investigation

Authorities say multiple shooters were involved in the attack. The Ring camera footage, which has been made available to police, shows what appears to be a targeted ambush. Over 60 shell casings from different firearms were recovered at the scene.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and investigators are asking the public for any leads, videos, or tips that could help identify the suspects. A reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

“We know people in the community know who did this,” said Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore. “And we’re asking them to do the right thing. These victims deserve justice. Their families deserve answers.”

Outrage and Grief in Grays Ferry

The Grays Ferry neighborhood is devastated. Makeshift memorials now mark the street where candles, flowers, and photos have been placed in honor of the victims.

Community activist Lisa Roberson, who helped organize a vigil the following night, said, “Our youth are being slaughtered in the streets. How many more funerals will it take before we see real action?”

Residents expressed frustration with what they describe as a systemic failure to protect vulnerable communities from gun violence. Many say they’ve called for resources, programs, and policing reforms for years — with little result.

City Leaders Speak Out: “We Cannot Be Silent”

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker issued a statement calling the shooting “a senseless and shameful act of violence that shattered families and a community.”

“This city is in mourning. These were not gangsters or enemies — they were young people gathered to remember a friend. We cannot become numb to this,” Parker said. “We need change — and we need it now.”

Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel added that specialized task forces are being mobilized, and additional patrols will be present throughout the summer to curb retaliatory violence.

A Familiar Pattern: Summer Violence on the Rise

Sadly, Sunday’s mass shooting fits into a troubling pattern seen in cities across the U.S. this summer. With schools out and temperatures rising, gun violence often escalates — especially in underserved neighborhoods.

In just the first week of July, over 30 shootings have occurred in Philadelphia, with many victims under the age of 25. Law enforcement and community groups alike are urging immediate investments in youth engagement, employment, and intervention programs to stop the cycle before it continues.

What’s Next

The Philadelphia Police Department has created a dedicated hotline and email for tips in this case:
📞 (215) 686-TIPS (8477)
📧 tips@phillypolice.com

Funeral arrangements for the three victims are underway, and local organizations are offering trauma counseling and grief support for the affected families and residents.

Vigils and community forums are expected to continue throughout the week as residents demand both justice and solutions.