While Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Fitr with religious fervor, celebrations in the United States were marred by a shootout that broke out between two factions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, leaving three people injured.

The incident occurred at Clara Muhammad Square Park in Philadelphia, where about 1,000 people had gathered to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.

according to Fox 29 NewsAlthough as many as 30 rounds were fired during the incident, no casualties have been reported so far.

Commenting on the incident, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said that one of the injured was reportedly a 15-year-old gunman who was armed with an assault rifle and exchanged gunfire with an on-duty police officer.

The teenage gunman is currently receiving treatment in hospital and is in a stable condition, the commissioner said, while stressing that police did not believe the incident was related to Eid celebrations.

“Ninety-nine percent of the people at this event are good people and they want to have a good time. And once again we’re seeing young people engaging in gunfights and they’re really destroying the sanctity of the event,” British Broadcasting Corporation The report quoted Bethel as saying.

Meanwhile, police have detained five people and seized five weapons from the scene of the incident.

The detainees include three men, one woman and a 15-year-old.

The socio-political landscape has become increasingly polarized and Islamophobic incidents have surged in recent years, an incident that has Muslim communities fearing for their safety.

Najah Bey, who was attending Eid celebrations, recalled the incident, saying: “The situation in Philadelphia is sad. It’s sad [that] You can’t even celebrate without fear of getting shot. “

Meanwhile, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L Parker reiterated her support for the city’s Muslim community, emphasizing the right of people to worship peacefully regardless of their faith.

“During the holy celebration of Eid al-Fitr, our city’s Muslim community experienced a sacrilegious act of gun violence in a West Philadelphia park today,” she posted on social media platform X.

“Every faith group has the absolute right and need to worship peacefully. We stand with the Muslim community and vow to work together to restore balance and light to our communities,” the mayor added.