Maurice Hill, 36, has been identified as the man who reportedly shot at least six Philadelphia police officers. The Pennsylvania man was arrested less than one hour ago.
Hill was taking part in “active and ongoing” standoff that went on for 8 hours in the 3700 block of N. 15th street in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Nicetown-Tioga.
Philadelphia Commissioner Richard Ross has given several press conferences where he explained that the officers had been shot multiple times and had been taken to nearby hospitals.
The Philadelphia shooting suspect name had been released to local media by a police source who opted to remain anonymous.
Note that for an unknown reason, people on Twitter have dubbed the former Philadelphia active shooter Jawn Wick but that is not his name.
This is a reference to the character, John Wick, someone who is hard to get rid of, played by Keanu Reeves in the movie franchise of the same name.
It has been confirmed that Maurice Hill is known by the members of the Philadelphia police. The man has a long rap sheet that includes a history of gun convictions and of resisting attempts to bring him to justice.
Hill’s prior felony convictions imply that he cannot be a legal gun owner. Hill’s lawyer, Shaka Mzee Johnson, released a brief statement saying: “My client is requesting me to come to the scene.”
Hill has been in and out of prison since the age of 18. In 2008, Hill was incarcerated in federal prison after being convicted of escaping, fleeing from police, and resisting arrest.
In 2013, he was back in court where he was sentenced to seven years of probation. The following year, Hill led police on a wild goose chase after they spotted him on an unregistered scooter which he crashed and hurt several people on the sidewalk.
He was slapped with several charges with driving without a license, recklessly endangering another person, and fleeing police but got away scot-free.
In 2014, Hill was hit with charges of drug possession and false imprisonment. The shooter has been live-streaming the horrific events on the Internet via Facebook.
According to the police, the lone shooter started the massive gun battle after several officers arrived in Nicetown-Tioga to serve a search warrant at a house and possibly make an arrest related to drug activities.
The shooter held two police officers hostage, and there are conflicting reports and whether or not if he has been communicating with the authorities outside.
In the first press conference, Ross explained that the standoff situation was “nowhere near resolved” and also revealed that they are dealing with a hostage situation.
INCREDIBLE: Philadelphia residents are shouting and throwing objects at Philadelphia police officers in the wake of an hours-long active shooter situation.
— spidermonkey (@Spidermonkey432) August 15, 2019
Police spokesperson Eric Gripp tweeted that the six officers were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries and have been discharged.
Mayor Jim Kenney has reached out all six officers. President Donald Trump has not commented on the situation but is being briefed.
Kenney used the situation to bring some awareness to the need for gun control in the country. He stated: “Our officers need help. They need help. They need help with gun control. They need help with keeping these weapons out of these people’s hands.”
Philadelphia Mayor: “Our officers need help. They need help. They need help with gun control. They need help with keeping these weapons out of these people’s hands.” https://t.co/0Z5DJDEsnH pic.twitter.com/ZskSqrKYLf
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 15, 2019
A video has surfaced showing a large crowd in the area taunting, laughing, and throwing rocks and bottles at the Philadelphia police officers amid gunfire during the standoff with Hill.
Many are using the #BlueLivesMatter, to show they back the Philadelphia police officers involved in the shooting.
#UPDATE from Philadelphia Police Commissioner on officers injured in todays shooting.
Scene is still active at this time as officials attempt to negotiate with suspect pic.twitter.com/K5mELQUZRP
— Greta Wall (@GretaLWall) August 15, 2019
Boston Police Department shared this message of support: “The men and women of #BPD are praying and pulling for the 6 @PhillyPolice Officers shot during a standoff with a gunman in North Philadelphia. Relieved and thankful to hear that the officers’ injuries appear to be non-life threatening.”
Former Vice P
One person had this reaction on social media: “This is sad. Prayers for the decent men and women in law enforcement who are senselessly losing their lives. May they be covered in the line of duty. ❤️??”
Another commenter stated: “The fact that some of all of you are making this seem like it’s ok is why things will never change, and you can’t fight violence with more violence, MLK would be rolling in his grave.”
This social media user shared: “Not all cops our killers some actually wanna protect and serve our country praying for them love has no color. Mental illness is real. He needs help not to be killed. Maybe he came from a fatherless home and didn’t have any guidance. Pray for my city, man.”
Some conservatives say now is not the time to talk about gun control, in light of this shooting.
#Philadelphia: 36-year-old Maurice Hill has surrendered to Philadelphia police. pic.twitter.com/thPNeyj9Hp
— I.E.N. (@BreakingIEN) August 15, 2019
