ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Gunfire erupted Friday night outside a McDonald’s on Union Boulevard, leaving one person injured and rattling the sense of safety in the local community.
Allentown police said multiple shots were fired during the incident.
One bullet shattered a window, and another struck a person, who was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive, according to authorities.
Less than 24 hours later, the McDonald’s was back in operation.
“I think that’s kind of ridiculous. They didn’t close while the cleanup was done.” said Michael Richardson, a community advocate with Promise Neighborhoods, a nonprofit focused on preventing gun violence in the Lehigh Valley.
For many residents, a shooting affects their sense of safety and the broader community.
Richardson worked with the organization Saturday when they visited the McDonald’s with therapists and staff to meet with community members.
“That’s why I do the work, because I want to see my neighbors and my community get better,” Richardson said.
Bryan Baker, a local resident, stopped by the restaurant and said he was shaken by the news.
“It’s very disheartening to hear that this area no longer has that safety as much as it did before,” he said.
Richardson added that Promise Neighborhoods hopes to hold a healing circle and encouraged community members to reach out.
Allentown police said the investigation remains active.
A firearm was recovered, and there is no active threat to the public.
The Allentown Police Department is asking anyone with information to call Detectives at 610-437- 7721, or the Police Desk at 610-437-7753 (ext. 1). Additionally, anonymous text tips can be sent via the Tip411 App available on the Allentown Police Facebook Page or via the Allentown Police Department website.
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Part of Union Boulevard was temporarily shut down as numerous police cars surround a McDonald’s on the street.