Philadelphia-police-fire-ems-file-photo
Philadelphia-Police-Fire-EMS-File-Photo

Security Guard claims deadly New Year’s Eve shooting was self defense

January 1, 2025

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A man was fatally shot Tuesday night in the Germantown neighborhood after allegedly charging at a security guard with a knife, police said.

Officers from the 14th District responded to a report of a “Person with a Gun” at the 5500 block of Germantown Avenue at approximately 8:15 p.m. Upon arrival, they found an unresponsive Black male with a gunshot wound to the chest and multiple self-inflicted stab wounds.

The victim was transported to Jefferson Einstein Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:25 p.m.

According to police, the armed security guard for a banquet hall in the area told officers he acted in self-defense after the decedent approached him with a knife. The security guard remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing under the Homicide Unit.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

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