West Philadelphia, January 2, 2026
A 3-year-old boy was accidentally shot in the right foot in West Philadelphia. The incident occurred on New Year’s Day, and the child is currently stable at a local hospital. An investigation is underway, with Philadelphia police questioning the father and a witness. A semi-automatic weapon and bloodstains were found at the residence, raising concerns about firearm safety.
Philadelphia
A 3-year-old boy was injured in an apparent accidental shooting in West Philadelphia on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on the 900 block of 42nd Street. The child was shot in the right foot and is currently in stable condition at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Investigation Underway
Philadelphia police responded to reports after the child was brought to the hospital with a gunshot wound. Investigators believe the shooting was accidental. However, police have stated they are still uncertain of the exact circumstances and do not know who was handling the firearm when it discharged. A semi-automatic weapon and bloodstains were discovered in a bedroom at the residence. The child’s father, who reportedly rushed the boy to the hospital, is currently being questioned by detectives. Additionally, a witness who was present in the house is also being interviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in West Philadelphia on New Year’s Day?
A 3-year-old boy was injured in an apparent accidental shooting in West Philadelphia on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026.
Where did the accidental shooting occur?
The accidental shooting happened on the 900 block of 42nd Street in West Philadelphia.
When did the shooting take place?
The shooting took place around 4:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026.
What was the child’s injury?
The 3-year-old boy was shot in the right foot.
What is the child’s current condition?
The child is in stable condition at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Is the shooting under investigation?
Yes, Philadelphia police are actively investigating the incident, trying to determine the exact circumstances and who was handling the firearm.
Key Details of the West Philadelphia Shooting Incident
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026 |
| Time | Around 4:30 p.m. |
| Location | 900 block of 42nd Street, West Philadelphia |
| Victim’s Age | 3-year-old boy |
| Injury | Gunshot wound to the right foot |
| Condition | Stable at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia |
| Nature of Incident | Apparent accidental shooting |
| Investigation Status | Active investigation by Philadelphia police |
| Items Recovered | Semi-automatic weapon, bloodstains |
| Persons Involved in Questioning | Child’s father, a witness from the residence |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
