2 Philadelphia SWAT officers released from hospital after being shot while serving warrant

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Two of the three Philadelphia SWAT officers who police say were shot while serving an arrest warrant in the West Popular neighborhood of North Philadelphia have been released from Jefferson University Hospital. A third officer is also expected to recover but remains at the hospital until at least Thursday for observation and is lucky to be alive. 

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw is currently in Dallas for the Major Cities Chiefs' Conference, but she released a statement in regard to the shooting.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney visited the three officers in the hospital Wednesday morning and says thankfully they will all physically recover. 

"It's a very difficult morning this morning," Kenney said, "but it seems like it's gonna come out today."

CBS3 was there as police escorted an officer out of Jefferson University Hospital. The officer was wearing a black hoodie as the vehicle rolled away from the hospital. 

Loved ones of one SWAT officer applauded his release with his family walking right behind him after fellow brothers and sisters in blue gave him a salute. 

"It's just a sign of honor and respect for our brother officer," Chief Insp. Mike Cram said. 

Officials say three officers were struck while serving a warrant. One was hit in the hip, another in the leg and a third officer was struck in the chest, but Kenney says they're doing as best as they can. 

"It's good to see them sitting up, talking and their families are around," Kenney said. "Of course, their families are upset."

The officers were rushed to Jefferson, where we saw police consoling family members. 

"This is probably the most difficult part about policing, serving a warrant when someone you know suspects to be a murderer and involved in other types of crimes," Kenney said. 

The last Philadelphia police officer to be killed in the line of duty was SWAT member James O'Connor. He was shot and killed while serving a warrant in Frankford in 2020. 

On Wednesday morning, CBS3 was outside of Jefferson University Hospital as O'Connor's wife was warmly embraced by another Philadelphia SWAT member, with her son at her left side. 

She tells CBS3 she felt compelled to come here after hearing about the shooting. She's praying for all of the city's police officers and questions when attacks against law enforcement will stop. 

Police say the SWAT officers injured include a 15-year veteran and a 29-year-old veteran who were both struck in the leg. A 27-year veteran was shot in the upper chest, but police say his vest deflected the bullet, saving his life.

FOP President John McNesby says they are three highly decorated officers.   

"This is what they're trained for," McNesby said. "But they're not trained to be targets every other month. This is what it's come down to in Philadelphia. We need help out there."

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