Argument Between Philly Political Canvassers Leads to Deadly Shooting, Police Say

An argument between two Philadelphia political canvassers led to a deadly shooting late Monday afternoon, according to police.

Police told NBC10 a man, later identified as 46-year-old Eddie Brokenbough, was canvassing the neighborhood for a political campaign when he met with another campaign worker along the 2000 block of Church Lane around 4:11 p.m. The two men, who were both armed, then got into an argument which led to the other campaign worker pulling out a gun and shooting Brokenbough, police said.

Brokenbough was shot once in the left armpit. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4:24 p.m.

Police said the campaign worker who shot Brokenbough had a valid permit to carry. That man was taken into custody and is cooperating with the investigation, according to police. No charges have been filed as police continue to investigate what led to the shooting and whether or not it was done in self-defense.

A spokesperson for One PA, a politically progressive nonprofit working “to make powerful changes that transform our communities," said that Brokenbough worked for their organization.

“Today, a One PA team member tragically lost their life. We are heartbroken, and our condolences and sympathy are with their family,” a spokesperson wrote. “We are mourning this senseless loss, and continuing to gather the facts and investigate what happened.”

Philadelphia mayoral candidate Helen Gym, who was endorsed by One PA, also released a statement on Brokenbough's death.

I was devastated to hear about the tragic death of a canvasser today. My thoughts are with the family of the victim, the One PA community, and everyone impacted by this irrevocable loss. Though the canvasser was not part of our campaign, this loss is deeply felt by all of us.

— Helen Gym (@HelenGymPHL) May 9, 2023

On Tuesday, One PA announced in a second statement that they were temporarily suspending their canvasses.

“What happened on Monday was a tragedy impacting a very loved member of the One PA team,” Sage Cruz, the co-executive director of One PA, wrote. “One PA is temporarily suspending our canvasses as we process this loss. It is clear policy that guns are never allowed in One PA offices or on canvases, and we are reviewing and reiterating that policy to ensure compliance. Right now we are taking care of our team as we process our grief, and respecting the wishes of the victim’s family. Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone who has been touched by this tragedy.”

One PA has not confirmed with NBC10 whether or not the other campaign worker involved in the incident is a member of their organization.