As reported earlier Philadelphia Police Officer Jessie Hartnett, who has been on the force for five years, was ambushed in his vehicle earlier today. Hartnett was shot in the arm multiple times after 13 shots were fired into the vehicle. He was able to return fire and hit the suspect, 30-year-old Edward Archer, who has survived. Police are now confirming the situation as a terrorism investigation and have revealed the suspect admitted to carrying out the shooting in the name of Islam after pledging loyalty to ISIS.
"He [the suspect] said he did it for his religious beliefs," police officials said Friday in a press conference.
Officials also confirmed the gun used to carry out the ambush was stolen. The gun was reportedly stolen from a home, but it is still unclear how the suspect got the weapon.
"This is a criminal, with a stolen gun, who tried to kill one of our officers," another official stated.
The FBI is working on the case. According to police, the suspect has a long, felony record.
After reviewing video footage of the incident, fellow police officers are applauding Harnett for his bravery.
"I can't say enough about his bravery and how he conducted himself," Police Commissioner Richard Ross said.
This post has been updated.
Stay tuned for updates.
