Man who fired gun into crowded Philadelphia bus facing charges

A man is accused of firing into a SEPTA bus in Brewerytown, injuring four and endangering 10 in a targeted weekend attack.
Man who fired gun into crowded Philadelphia bus facing charges

PHILADELPHIA — A 52-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly opening fire on a SEPTA bus in Brewerytown over the weekend, injuring four people and endangering several others, authorities said Wednesday.

District Attorney Larry Krasner and members of the Gun Violence Task Force announced that Hakim Bryant was arrested Tuesday in connection with the shooting that occurred Saturday. Bryant is accused of firing at passengers on the bus, wounding three teenagers and one adult woman.

Bryant is facing 10 counts of attempted murder, 10 counts of aggravated assault, 10 counts of simple assault, 10 counts of reckless endangerment, and several weapons-related offenses. He is expected to be arraigned Wednesday. Prosecutors are requesting $10 million bail.

“During the mayhem, three teenaged boys and a woman—all innocent bystanders—were struck and wounded,” said District Attorney Krasner. “Law enforcement also believes that this defendant intended to murder others on the bus too.”

Authorities say Bryant targeted bus passengers

According to investigators, Bryant fired at six additional passengers who were not physically injured during the shooting. The incident unfolded while the bus was traveling through the city’s Brewerytown section, though officials have not released a specific motive for the attack.

In addition to the attempted murder and assault charges, Bryant is also charged with illegal firearm possession and possession of an instrument of crime. The District Attorney’s Office confirmed the case will be prosecuted by the Gun Violence Task Force.

Krasner said the DAO’s Victim Services Unit is actively working with those affected by the shooting to provide support during the investigation and legal proceedings.

The Philadelphia Police Department was credited with leading the investigation and swiftly apprehending the suspect.