Philadelphia attack in video that prompted Mayor Jim Kenney’s tweet occurred months before the coronavirus hit the region

The coronavirus has put people on edge — maybe even Mayor Jim Kenney, who on Sunday tweeted his indignation over a video of what he described as a “despicable” attack on a man who was sucker-punched and ended up on the pavement with an orange traffic cone placed on his head.

“During this difficult time, we must support and comfort each other, not turn to violence and anger,” the mayor tweeted. “The actions of these few do not define who we are as a city.”

After investigating, police say the incident happened five months ago. Philadelphia Business News

On Tuesday, more information was released about the video, which went viral in recent days. The attack took place last Oct. 7, a Philadelphia News police spokesperson said. The website NextShark had reported the victim appeared to be of Asian descent, but the person is not Asian but Hispanic, the spokesperson said, adding that East Detectives is investigating.

The spokesperson declined to provide further information on the attack or on the young males seen in the video. An East Division detective said he was not permitted to comment.

Philadelphia attack in the video that prompted Mayor Jim Kenney’s

A Fox29 reporter tweeted Tuesday that law-enforcement sources said the attack occurred on the 3100 blocks of Sheridan Street in Fairhill; that at least two of the people involved in the recording or posting of the video or the attack have been identified, but not the puncher; and that criminal charges would be lodged after the coronavirus pandemic crisis is over. Philadelphia Political News

The video showed one of four young males walking up to and then punching the victim in a dark street, then another person in the group putting an orange construction cone on the victim’s head as he lay on the ground. One person stepped on his back, then another sifted through his pants pockets. Philadephia Distribution Service

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