The suspect in the mass shooting that left five people dead in Philadelphia this week has been identified as Kimbrady Carriker.
Carriker, 40, was arrested on Monday, the same day of the shooting, but his identity was not confirmed until Wednesday when he was arraigned on murder and other charges.
Magistrate Naomi Williams ordered Carriker held without bail, CNN reported. Williams said that “public safety is clearly an issue here” and that no conditions would guarantee Carriker would appear for future hearings.
Carriker will remain behind bars until trial, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, a Democrat, told reporters this week. Krasner said he expects the suspect will remain in prison for the rest of his life.
Carriker is a male, according to authorities. “The man who did this will be facing multiple counts of murder,” Krasner told reporters this week. Archived images show Carriker wearing women’s clothing, and officials used they/them pronouns when referring to the suspect. Carriker has posted on Facebook in support of various groups, including Black Lives Matter, and posted in support of gun ownership.
Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal said authorities reviewed the posts and found them disturbing. She urged people to call law enforcement if they see concerning posts in the future.
“If you know this person or see a post that raises a red flag, you have to speak up and call the authorities immediately,” Bilal said.
Carriker was convicted of a gun crime in 2003, according to Krasner.
The victims have been identified as Daujan Brown, 15; Lashyd Merritt, 22; Dymir Stanton, 29; Joseph Wamah Jr., 31; and Ralph Moralis, 59. Two others, including a 2-year-old child, were struck but survived.
The shooting occurred in the neighborhood of Kingsessing at approximately 8:28 p.m. on Monday evening.
Officers converged on the scene and were able to track down the suspect on foot, Philadelphia Police Chief Danielle Outlaw has said. The chase ended with the male being apprehended.
The suspect was wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying an AR-style rifle and a handgun, according to the police. About 50 shell casings were located in the area. Witnesses reported the man wearing a ski mask.
“I thank God our officers were here on scene, they responded as quickly as [they] did. They showed up,” Outlaw said. “I can’t even describe the level of bravery and courage that was shown, in addition to the restraint that was also shown here. We, unfortunately, have six victims here. But it could have been more had it not been for the officers.”
This is a developing story that will be updated.