Published June 05. 2020 07:38AM
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - An Associated Press photographer on assignment was attacked Thursday afternoon by a passerby while the journalist crossed the street with Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and Mayor Jim Kenney.
Matt Rourke was making photos of Outlaw and Kenney in North Philadelphia while the two city officials spent time with community members.
As Kenney, Outlaw and several more police officers and members of the media were crossing Broad Street, a man sucker-punched Rourke in his face.
Outlaw was one of the first people to tend to Rourke as he lay on the street bloodied.
It's unclear what prompted the attack.
Police took down the man and arrested him. A Philadelphia Police Department spokeswoman said he remained in police custody Thursday night. An investigation into possible charges is underway.
Rourke was taken to the hospital and is expected to be OK.
Police Commissioner and Mayor. Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, left, and other officers attend to Associated Press photographer Matt Rourke after he was assaulted while touring the business district at N. Broad Street and Erie Avenue in Philadelphia on Thursday, June 4, 2020. (Alejandro A. Alvarez/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)
Philadelphia police tackle a man after he attacked Associated Press Photographer Matt Rourke as he was touring the business district with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw in Philadelphia on Thursday, June 4, 2020. (Alejandro A. Alvarez/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)