'Devastating:' Delco Mayor Issues Statement On Local Teen's Killing

UPPER DARBY, PA — After a local teenager was fatally shot on a SEPTA bus over the weekend, the mayor of the boy's town issued a statement calling the incident "devastating."

Zahkir Whitfield, a 15-year-old sophomore student at Upper Darby High School, was shot and killed Saturday in West Philadelphia. He was shot at about 1:05 p.m. Saturday while on a SEPTA bus at 40th Street and Girard Avenue, police said.

Philadelphia Police are looking for four people in connection with the shooting, and are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of those responsible.

"First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to Zahkir’s family, friends, and classmates during this unimaginably difficult time," Upper Darby Borough Mayor Ed Brown said. "Our hearts are with them, and with all who knew and loved Zahkir."

Brown called the incident "devastating" and one that "part of an all-too-common pattern of violence affecting our youth."

"As a community, we must come together to grieve, to support one another, and to reaffirm our commitment to creating safer spaces and educating our youth and people of all ages that violence is not the answer," he said. "Let us come together as a community to honor Zahkir’s memory, support one another, and take real action toward peace and safety for all our children."

The Upper Darby School District is also sharing resources to help families discuss this tragedy with their children

"Please join me in keeping all involved in your thoughts and prayers," Edward Marshaleck, Upper Darby School District Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, said.

The district is also sharing resources to help families discuss this tragedy with their children.