Philadelphia police shot and killed a man Friday morning after officers said he fired a gun during a confrontation near 21st Street and the Ben Franklin Parkway in Center City.
Police responded shortly after 11 a. m.
to reports of a person with a firearm.
According to Philadelphia police, officers attempted to communicate with the man using a bullhorn before the encounter escalated.
Authorities said a Philadelphia police officer and a SEPTA police officer each fired one shot, striking the man twice.
The man was taken to Jefferson Hospital, where police said he was pronounced dead around 11:36 a.
m.
Investigators said a revolver believed to be connected to the incident was found near park benches at the scene.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said investigators were still examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting and had not confirmed whether the man fired before officers arrived.
"We will investigate whether this was a situation of suicide by cop," said Kevin Bethel, Commissioner.
Police said the man was not speaking with officers during the encounter and authorities have not publicly identified him.
Investigators are continuing efforts to determine his identity and what led to the confrontation.
A witness described the scene as police responded in the busy area near several museums along the Parkway.
"We come up and we see a bunch of cops and next we know we hear boom boom two shots," said Anthony Ciamaichelo, of Northeast Philadelphia.
Police said there were initial plans to begin shutting down nearby museums, but the shooting occurred before those measures could be implemented.
