This story was updated Friday, March 29, 2024.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A 3-year-old boy was killed Thursday in a shooting on the city's East Side, according to authorities.
Officers responded at noon to a home in the 900 block of East Hamilton Street, where they found the toddler suffering from a gunshot wound, Allentown Police Department said in a release.
Officers rendered aid to the boy, but the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office confirmed the toddler died from his injuries Thursday afternoon at a local hospital.
Police say their investigation is active and ongoing, but there is no physical threat to the community.
The Lehigh County Homicide Task Force and the coroner’s office are assisting with the investigation.
Allentown police are asking anyone with information to call detectives at 610-437-7721 or text tips via the Tip411 app.
Officials react
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk said Thursday he was “completely stunned to learn of the loss of a young life on the east side of Allentown” and offered his condolences to the boy’s family “as they grapple with something that is truly impossible to comprehend.”
“The details are still coming together, but one thing that I understand clearly is that a gun is at the center of the story. I'm urging everyone in Allentown to take all necessary action to protect our community from harm.”Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk
“The details are still coming together, but one thing that I understand clearly is that a gun is at the center of the story,” Tuerk said.
“I'm urging everyone in Allentown to take all necessary action to protect our community from harm.”
“Enough is enough."
State Rep. Josh Siegel, D-22nd District, also offered a statement.
“I’m once again heartbroken and devastated over another senseless loss of a child to firearms in my district and our commonwealth," Siegel said.
"While we wait for the results of the investigation, one thing remains clear, firearms remain the leading cause of death amongst children and teens, every year 19,000 are either killed or wounded across our nation.
"These tragic deaths and injuries are unacceptable and many of them entirely preventable. No state or country should accept this level of grief or suffering.”
“I also stand with our police and emergency services in this profoundly difficult moment and recognize the tremendous mental and emotional toll these incidents have on them. I stand with them in their steadfast service to our city and community and am humbled by the sacrifices they make.”
