PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has announced the arrests of 12 gang members involved in a violent street war that left 31 victims across South Philadelphia. Authorities are calling this a major bust, dismantling three warring groups known as The Senders, The Clappers, and The Close-Range Gang.
Between April 2021 and May 2023, investigators linked these gangs to 16 violent incidents, including 12 non-fatal shootings, two gunpoint carjackings, a stolen vehicle, and one homicide. Police say the gang rivalry escalated into a dangerous cycle of retaliatory violence.
Detectives revealed that gang members treated shootings like a game, using social media to keep score, likening their attacks to basketball points.
“On social media, they compare it to a basketball game,” said Philadelphia Detective Kelley Gallagher. “For every shooting victim, they say they have a point.”
One of the documented shootings occurred on Ritner Street in January 2022, where three men were gunned down. Officials say these incidents reflect the recklessness and brutality of the gang war.
“These are kids. These are young people doing horrific things. This is their idea of a good idea,” said Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.
Authorities relied on ballistic evidence, cellphone data, witness statements, and social media activity to identify and track down the suspects.
“The Senders and the others in this case were so public about their actions, so willing to brag about them, be specific about them, and name their victim in one way or another,” Krasner stated.
Of the 12 identified gang members, police confirmed that 11 have been arrested, with one suspect still at large.
The DA’s Office emphasized that cracking down on violent gang activity remains a top priority, as officials continue efforts to keep Philadelphia’s streets safe.
