Last Updated on December 24, 2021
U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) was the victim of an armed robbery in South Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon. According to law enforcement officials, Scanlon’s SUV was stolen at gunpoint not long after 2:45 p.m. Scanlon was not injured during the incident.
The robbery took place near FDR park, which is just a short walk from the Philadelphia sports complex. The neighborhood is generally considered safe, though the City of Philadelphia has been enduring a massive, all encompassing crime wave.
Police are on the lookout for two suspects, though a detailed description has not been released at this time.
The FBI is also investigating.
“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,” her office said in a statement.
Rep. @RepMGS was carjacked at gunpoint today. Thankfully she was physically unharmed. A statement from her spokesperson @LaurenCox08 pic.twitter.com/FF3mctxgtI
— Kristin Wilson (@kristin__wilson) December 22, 2021
Scanlon has represented Pennsylvania’ 5th Congressional District since 2019, one of the states most highly populated district’s.
Scanlon’s district encompasses all of Delaware County, as well as small portions of Montgomery, Chester and Philadelphia counties.
The City of Philadelphia has seen an 80% increase in carjackings over the past year, according to Fox 29.
The carjacking involving Scanlon was the second such incident just in South Philly that day, law enforcement officials said.
The city has seen similar, dramatic spikes in other crimes as well, including homicide.
More than 500 murders have been recorded in the city to date, topping a record previously set in 1990.
