Rep. Mary Scanlon Gay (D-PA) was carjacked at gunpoint in South Philadelphia on Wednesday. Law enforcement recovered the stolen vehicle and five suspects are now in custody, according to Delaware State Police.
CBS3 reported that Scanlon was robbed in FDR Park around 2:45 p.m., a spokesperson for the congresswoman said. While Scanlon was walking to her vehicle, two armed men approached her and demanded the keys to her car. The congresswoman immediately complied with their demands.
Police said one of the suspects drove off in Scanlon’s car while the other followed behind in a dark-colored SUV.
“Wednesday afternoon, at around 2:45 p.m., Congresswoman Scanlon was carjacked at gunpoint in FDR Park following a meeting at that location. The congresswoman was physically unharmed,” Scanlon’s office said in a statement. “She thanks the Philadelphia Police Department for their swift response, and appreciates the efforts of both the Sergeant at Arms in D.C. and her local police department for coordinating with Philly PD to ensure her continued safety.”
Earlier this year, Scanlon co-sponsored a bill called the Mental Health Justice Act, which sought to replace some police officers with mental health specialists as part of a broader effort to defund the police, Fox News reported. Scanlon represents Pennsylvania’s 5th District, including Delaware County, parts of South and Southwest Philadelphia, and some of Chester and Montgomery Counties.
“I am relieved that Congresswoman Scanlon was not physically injured, and my thoughts are with her during this difficult time,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said. “The PPD will continue to provide any support needed in this case and will work diligently alongside our federal partners to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.”
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner promised to “vigorously pursue accountability” when the gunmen are caught.
“First, I am extremely grateful that Congresswoman Scanlan and an aide who was accompanying her were not physically harmed today. My office will be offering them the services and support we provide to victims of frightening and traumatic crimes,” Krasner said in a statement. “I am in contact with law enforcement, which is working hard to locate the individuals responsible for this crime and to get them off our streets.”
“Based on the limited information we have at this time, it appears two individuals were involved in this gunpoint robbery and auto theft. Armed robberies are among the most serious crimes because of the danger they pose to victims and the fear they instill in communities,” he added. “My office is ready to vigorously pursue accountability when these individuals are located by police and taken into custody.”
