Crime
Azir Harris Shot Multiple Times in the Back, Someone Jumped Over His Wheelchair During Attack
PHILADELPHIA — Azir Harris, a 24-year-old father and outspoken advocate for gun violence survivors, was tragically killed early Monday morning during a mass shooting at a block party in South Philadelphia, his family confirmed.
Harris, who had been paralyzed in a 2018 shooting at the age of 17, was attending a neighborhood cookout on the 1500 block of South Etting Street.
According to his father, Troy Harris, Azir had gone to enjoy the evening with friends and family, including the mother of his 1-year-old son, who was also injured in the shooting.
The gathering followed a weekend of remembrance for four young men from the community who were previously killed in acts of gun violence.
Community members said the atmosphere was celebratory, with music, food, and conversation—until it turned into chaos.
Shortly before 1 a.m., gunfire erupted. Police said more than 110 rounds were fired along the densely packed street, where dozens had gathered.
Harris, seated in his wheelchair, was struck multiple times in the back. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after 2:15 a.m. at a nearby hospital.
His wheelchair was left behind at the scene, surrounded by bullet casings and evidence markers—a haunting symbol of a life cut short.
“He was the light of this house,” said Troy Harris, speaking emotionally about his youngest son, the youngest of six children. “The kid fought so hard to stay here. And look … look what happened.”
After being paralyzed in the 2018 shooting, Azir had become a dedicated advocate for survivors of gun violence and a devoted father to his young son, Aspen.
“He was so committed to being a dad,” his father said. “He didn’t let not being able to use his legs stop him from being totally committed. He would do everything—sometimes it would make us nervous. But he was so happy to be a father.”
As the investigation continues, police believe multiple shooters were involved, though no motive has yet been determined.
At least 13 people were injured in the shooting, three fatally.
The ages of the victims range from 15 to 24.
Troy Harris spent Monday making heartbreaking calls to those who had helped support his son’s recovery and journey since 2018.
The shooting marks the second mass shooting in Philadelphia in just days and underscores the growing concern over escalating violence in the city.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.