Authorities have reported a devastating series of events in suburban Philadelphia on Saturday morning, leading to the tragic deaths of two women and a 13-year-old child. The incidents prompted officials to take swift action, including the cancellation of a St. Patrick’s Day parade and issuing shelter-in-place orders for multiple neighborhoods.
According to police reports, the suspect behind the shootings, identified as 26-year-old Andre Gordon Jr., fled the scene in a hijacked vehicle before eventually being captured in Trenton, New Jersey, following an hours-long standoff.
The first shooting took place in the Philadelphia suburbs, where Gordon allegedly shot and killed his 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon, and his 13-year-old sister, Kera Gordon. He then proceeded to drive a stolen car to a nearby Bucks County neighborhood, where he fatally shot 25-year-old Taylor Daniel, who was the mother of his two children. Additionally, Daniel’s mother was reportedly “bludgeoned” during the incident, according to Bucks District Attorney Jennifer Schorn.
Schorn also revealed that family members present during the first shooting, including another teenager, managed to evade Gordon’s search by hiding in the house. Tragically, children were present during the second shooting and assault at Daniel’s home. Gordon forcibly entered both residences, authorities said.
Shortly after the shootings, Gordon reportedly carjacked a vehicle at a Dollar General in Morrisville. Fortunately, the 44-year-old driver was unharmed during the incident, and it was confirmed that the victim did not have any prior acquaintance with Gordon, according to Schorn.
Following these alarming events, Bucks County issued a shelter-in-place alert for parts of the county around 9:30 a.m., urging residents to lock their doors and windows and to seek shelter in a central location away from any potential danger. The alert was lifted by authorities around 12:40 p.m., allowing residents to resume normal activities.
Eyewitnesses, including Falls District Justice John Galloway, recounted the chaos that ensued during the shootings. Galloway, who resides in one of the affected neighborhoods, described hearing gunshots shortly after 9:15 a.m., prompting him and others to seek safety.
Community events in nearby Bristol were also canceled as a precaution, and various other activities in the area were disrupted. The Oxford Valley Mall was briefly placed on lockdown before reopening, while Sesame Place theme park remained closed throughout Saturday afternoon, according to local authorities.
The tragic events have left the community in shock and mourning as they grapple with the loss of three lives and the profound impact of the violence that unfolded in their midst. As investigations continue, authorities are working to provide support to those affected by the senseless acts of violence that have shaken the Philadelphia suburbs.