A 13-year-old boy in Philadelphia survived a mass shooting on the Fourth of July weekend, thanks to the heroic actions of his best friend, who tragically lost his life trying to protect him. In an emotional interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, the father of the wounded boy, Rafiq Fitzgerald Sr., expressed his gratitude for 15-year-old Daujan Brown and the selfless act that saved his son’s life.
Describing the close bond between the boys, Fitzgerald said they were inseparable, sticking together like glue. Despite his concerns as a parent, Fitzgerald acknowledged that Brown was a remarkable friend, highlighting his bravery and willingness to sacrifice himself for his best friend. He referred to Brown as a hero, comparing him to Superman, and expressed his profound gratitude for the teenager.
The tragic shooting took place in the Kingsessing neighborhood of Philadelphia, claiming the lives of five people, including Brown. Fitzgerald’s son sustained gunshot wounds to his legs but survived, undergoing surgery to insert rods and pins. The young boy, whose name has been withheld for safety reasons, is expected to endure three to six months of physical therapy before he can regain his ability to walk.
Recalling the harrowing moment he learned about the shooting, Fitzgerald spoke of his heart sinking upon receiving a call from his son’s mother. He immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was initially mistaken for Brown’s father and was given the devastating news of his passing. The father expressed the unbearable pain of realizing that his son’s best friend had lost his life trying to protect him.
Fitzgerald emphasized the need for action to prevent gun violence from claiming the lives of innocent children. He called upon city leaders to go beyond press conferences and demonstrate tangible efforts to address the issue. The shooting occurred near a police precinct, highlighting the urgency to prevent such incidents and protect the lives of young people.
Describing the profound impact of the traumatic experience on his son, Fitzgerald mentioned the need for counseling to help him cope with the loss of his best friend. He expressed deep concern about the long-term effects on his child’s mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of addressing the emotional aftermath of the shooting.
On a personal level, Fitzgerald admitted struggling to heal from the trauma, feeling a sense of responsibility as a father and provider. He shared his son’s desperate cries for him and his mother after being shot, acknowledging his role as a protector and expressing his profound regret for not being able to shield his child from harm.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgency to address gun violence in communities, especially when it affects innocent children. The loss of a life and the impact on survivors should propel leaders and communities to take decisive action to protect young people and ensure their safety.
It is crucial for society to come together, providing support, counseling, and intervention to prevent such tragic events from occurring. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of all community members, we can strive for a future where children are not subjected to violence and loss at such a young age.
