Mayor Kenney On Officer Shooting: 'It Has Nothing To Do With Being Muslim'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- During a police press conference Friday afternoon, Mayor Jim Kenney stated that he believes the shooting of a Philadelphia police officer has "nothing to do with being a Muslim," despite the suspect claiming he did it in the name of Islam.
Mayor Kenney said, "In no way shape or form does anyone in this room believe that Islam or the teaching of Islam has anything to do with what you've seen on the screen."
Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnett was shot several times late Thursday.
Authorities say the suspect gave a full confession to the shooting.
Commissioner Richard Ross said, "According to him, police bend laws that are contrary to the teachings of the Quran."
Mayor Kenney said of the shooting, "It is abhorrent. It is terrible and it does not represent the religion or any of its teachings."
He continued, "This is a criminal with a stolen gun who tried to kill one of our officers. It has nothing to do with being a Muslim or following the Islamic faith."
Police sources say the suspect is 30-year-old Edward Archer, of Yeadon.