Man who shot Philly officer described as 'devout Muslim' with mental issues

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UPDATE: Police have identified the suspect who allegedly shot at a Philadelphia officer as he sat in his car Thursday night as 30-year-old Edward Archer.

The suspect’s mother described him as a devout Muslim who had been hearing voices lately. His family had asked him to seek help, she said. After his arrest, Archer told officers he attacked “in the name of Islam.”

Archer is no stranger to Philadelphia police. He pleaded guilty to firearms and assault charges in a 2012 case and was scheduled to be sentenced Monday in a traffic and forgery case.

In surveillance footage, Archer can be seen approaching Officer Jesse Hartnett’s patrol car, dressed in a white, long-sleeved tunic. Investigators said they did not know whether it would be considered traditional Muslim garb.

Hartnett, shot three times in the arm, has already had one surgery and is expected to need several more. After the attack, Hartnett was able to return fire, striking Archer in the buttocks as he chased him down. Another officer was finally able to grab Archer.

Police Commissioner Richard Ross said Hartnett’s survival was “absolutely amazing.”

“It’s nothing short of miraculous and we’re thankful for that,” he said.

OUR EARLIER REPORT (1:45 p.m. EST): Philadelphia police say a man who ambushed an officer as he sat in his police cruiser Thursday night was motivated by his devotion to the Islamic State terror group.

The suspect, who has not been identified, told officers who arrested him that he attacked in the name of Islam and pledged allegiance to ISIS.

Using a gun stolen from a police officer’s home in 2013, the man unleashed a barrage of 13 bullets, hitting Officer Jesse Hartnett three times in the arm. Despite being wounded, Hartnett fired back, also striking the suspect three times.

According to a police statement, Hartnett is in stable condition at an area hospital after undergoing surgery. Officials have not released any information about the suspect’s condition.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Leigh Jones

Leigh is features editor for WORLD. She is a World Journalism Institute graduate who spent six years as a newspaper reporter in Texas before joining WORLD News Group. Leigh also co-wrote Infinite Monster: Courage, Hope, and Resurrection in the Face of One of America's Largest Hurricanes. She resides with her husband and daughter in Houston, Texas.