PHILADELPHIS, PA - Authorities have released images of a suspect believed to be connected to the fatal shooting of an off-duty Philadelphia police officer outside an after-hours lounge early Sunday morning, as reported by ABC6.
Officer Al Hassan Barry, 29, was killed in a double shooting in South Philadelphia after gunfire erupted outside the social lounge during the early morning hours.
Barry was also a military veteran who had served as a Philadelphia police officer for approximately two years, adding another layer of tragedy to the loss of a man who had dedicated himself to serving both his country and his community.
According to authorities, surveillance footage captured a male walking toward the area around the time of the shooting. Following the gunfire, the same individual was reportedly seen running from the scene on foot.
Local media obtained surveillance video showing some of what unfolded outside the entrance to the lounge. In the footage, a police vehicle can be seen driving past the establishment shortly before the situation escalated and a melee broke out.
Moments later, gunshots were fired, sending people scrambling from the area.
When officers arrived, they found Barry and another victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel transported both victims to the hospital, but Barry did not survive his injuries.
Barry was assigned to the Philadelphia Police Department's 12th District.
“We are here now to support his family and the men and women of the 12th District,” one supporter told local media.
Investigators are still working to determine exactly what led to the deadly confrontation.
“At this point, it occurred outside the lounge. We don't know what preceded the incident to cause the shooting,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said.
The lounge itself is also expected to become part of the investigation.
According to local media reports, the establishment has operated for several years and has accumulated multiple violations since 2021, including “one for allegedly not having the proper zoning or use permit to operate as an after-hours lounge.”
One neighborhood resident described the establishment simply as “just an after-hours bar.”
“People go there, get a couple drinks, party there. That's about it,” the resident told local media.
Investigators are expected to examine not only the circumstances surrounding Barry's shooting, but also what was taking place at the establishment that night and why the off-duty officer was there.
“We'll be doing a complete investigation of everything involving leading up to this incident and what transpired related to this location,” Bethel said.
Authorities recovered a handgun and several shell casings from the scene as investigators continue working to piece together the events that led to the shooting.
Police have released images of the man they believe may be connected to Barry's killing in hopes that someone will recognize him and provide information that could help investigators identify and locate him.
Meanwhile, Barry's family attended his emotional funeral earlier today and publicly called on the suspect to turn himself in. They also used the moment to plead for an end to the gun violence that claimed Barry's life.
“This gun violence, we want this to stop. They have to know it's them dying too because they're killing each other, so stop it please!” an emotional family member told local media.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the shooting is urged to contact Philadelphia Police by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477).
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Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com.
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