1-year-old boy stabbed, injured in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square

A 1-year-old child was stabbed outside Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel (BZBI) synagogue in Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon, according to a report by ABC 7 Chicago. 

The child sustained a stab wound to the left forearm and was swiftly transported to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where medical staff have listed his condition as stable. Authorities have clarified that the violent altercation was not motivated by antisemitism.  

According to statements from synagogue officials, the suspect, who was believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis, carried out the stabbing. This incident is reportedly linked to another nearby altercation, which is also under police investigation. 

"I am proud of the BZBI staff and security team who followed appropriate protocols and procedures needed to not only ensure the safety and well-being of our congregants and children attending Religious School but also to provide medical aid to the family while they waited for an ambulance to arrive," a statement by one of the synagogue officials read. 

“While this is an ongoing investigation, all reports seem to indicate that this is not an antisemitic attack, but unfortunately part of the tragic increase in crime that we have been seeing in the city,” the statement continued. 

The Philadelphia Police are actively investigating the incident. No weapons were recovered at the scene and no arrests have been made at this time.