23rd December, 2021
U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, a Democrat from Pennsylvania was robbed of her car in a park in Philadelphia on Wednesday, her spokeswoman said.
The carjacking occurred around 2:45 p.m. at FDR Park in South Philadelphia, where Scanlon had attended a meeting.
Scanlon was unharmed, the spokeswoman, Lauren Cox said in a statement, reported by ABC.
“She thanks the Philadelphia Police Department for their swift response, and appreciates the efforts of both the Sergeant at Arms in D.C. and her local police department for coordinating with Philly PD to ensure her continued safety,” the statement said.
Two armed men approached Scanlon and demanded the keys to her vehicle — a blue 2017 Acura MDX.
Scanlon surrendered the keys, and one of the two men drove off with her car. The second man entered a separate vehicle and followed the first man, Philadelphia police said.
Scanlon’s Acura was found at a shopping centre in Newark, Delaware, around 9 p.m., and five people inside it were taken into custody, Delaware State Police said.
They were not immediately identified. The investigation is ongoing, and additional details will be released once they are available, state police said.
During the robbery in Philadelphia, several personal and work items were also taken with the vehicle.
“I am relieved that Congresswoman Scanlon was not physically injured, and my thoughts are with her during this difficult time,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw.
Scanlon, who is in her second term, represents Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District, covering Delaware County, parts of south and southwest Philadelphia and small parts of Chester and Montgomery counties.
