A man caught in surveillance footage ambushing a Philadelphia officer in a squad car, shooting him multiple times, claimed he acted "in the name of Islam," police said at a news conference Friday.
Ready for this? Police Commissioner Richard Ross said the suspect's gun had been stolen from police in 2013. No gun control or legislation would have stopped that.
Thankfully, the suspected shooter, identified as 30-year-old Edward Archer, was a terrible shot.
Officer Jessie Hartnett was listed in stable condition after three bullets struck his left arm. The injuries will require multiple surgeries. Archer was apprehended and is currently in police custody.
A law enforcement source told Fox News the shooter wore "Muslim garb." In spite of the suspect's choice of clothing and "in the name of Islam" confession, newly sworn-in Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney offered a sanitized, politically correct account of the shooter and his actions.
"This is a criminal with a stolen gun who tried to kill one of our officers," Kenney said. "Has nothing to do with being a Muslim or following the Islamic faith."
Wanna bet?
Featured Image: Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross addresses media at a press conference regarding the shooting of Police Officer Jesse Hartnett, 33, who was ambushed and allegedly shot at 13 times by Edward Archer, 30, last night on January 8, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Surveillance footage reveals the suspect was dressed in Muslim clothing and wearing a mask. Following his arrest, suspect Edward Archer stated, "I follow Allah and pledge allegiance to the Islamic State and that is the reason I did what I did." (Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)