Weapons & Guns

Pandemonium erupted Wednesday afternoon when a gunman in Philadelphia opened fire on police officers ... striking at least 6.

The gun battle's still active in the North Philly neighborhood of Nicetown-Tioga ... where dozens of cops can be seen taking cover while surrounding a home with at least 1 barricaded suspect. The attack was reportedly triggered after cops tried serving a warrant there.

A deputy commissioner with Philadelphia PD said the 6 cops wounded by gunfire suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The deputy commissioner also said a 7th officer was hurt in a crash while responding to the scene. According to the report ... the gunman fired repeatedly, reloaded and continued to fire.

Temple University's nearby Health Sciences Center is under lockdown and cops are asking residents to avoid the area. SWAT and ATF agents are on the scene assisting police.

The shooting comes just one day after a California Highway Patrol officer was shot dead after a routine traffic stop in Southern California ... and 10 days after the Dayton shooting.

Story developing ... 

The group of bikers who triggered massive panic in Times Square will NOT face criminal charges ... because cops decided there was no crime.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... authorities reviewed surveillance footage from last week's chaotic scene. They determined the group of bikers obeyed all traffic laws and didn't intentionally try to make it sound like there was an active shooter ... so, no reckless endangerment charges for causing the mass panic.

We're told surveillance video showed the bikers riding on 42nd Street when the group stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, they throttled up, and that's when a couple bikes backfired.

We're told footage shows only a handful of people initially ran for cover, before full-on panic set in. Understandable, given the uneasiness following the recent mass shootings.

Ex-NBA star Sebastian Telfair has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years behind bars for possessing an illegal firearm in 2017 ... TMZ Sports has learned.

As we previously reported ... the 34-year-old former high school phenom was busted back in June 2017 in Brooklyn .... after cops found an arsenal of weapons in his car during a traffic stop.

Officials say the former Trail Blazer, Celtic, Clipper and Timberwolf (to name a few) had 3 pistols and what appeared to be a semi-automatic rifle.

Telfair was convicted of one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon back in April ... and was facing up to 15 years behind bars, so it could've been worse for the hooper.

Lady Gaga wants to help the healing process in the communities recently affected by mass shootings -- and her solution is cash for classrooms.

The singer posted an emotional message this week in support of the families and victims of the Gilroy, El Paso and Dayton shootings that occurred within a week of each other. Gaga wrote that her heart went out to those affected, adding ... "Everyone has the right to laws that make them feel safe in their communities. In this moment, I want to channel my confusion, frustration, and fury into hope. Hope that we are there for each other and for ourselves."

Gaga went on to say that she's partnering with DonorsChoose.org and the Born This Way Foundation to "fully fund the classroom project needs in Dayton, OH, El Paso, TX, and Gilroy, CA. 14 classrooms in Dayton, 125 classrooms in El Paso, and 23 classrooms in Gilroy will now have access to the support they need to inspire their students to work together and bring their dreams to life."

It's unclear how much money Gaga is putting up herself -- but the dough she donates, as well as the donations of others, will go toward state-of-the-art updates, learning tools and other services that top-notch schools in the country use and enjoy.

For example, Gaga and co. have already funded programs like the 'We Rock Kindness Rock' project, which provides students with rocks and paints and "an opportunity to create their own rock that will be displayed as a kindness reminder."

There are countless other initiatives that have been funded thus far, and several more than need assistance.

As for Gaga though, she notes about those impacted by the shootings should make sure to take care of their mental health, saying ... "If you’re struggling, please be brave and tell a trusted someone. Don’t be scared to ask for help, I beg you."

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darius Philon was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon ... after allegedly threatening to shoot a woman outside a strip club, TMZ Sports has learned.

Philon -- a 25-year-old who was a 6th round draft pick in 2015 -- was arrested in Phoenix and taken to the Maricopa County Jail Friday morning.

The 6'1", 286-lb. DE is accused of pointing a handgun at a dancer in the parking lot of the VLive strip club on May 17 around 2:15 AM ... according to a police report.

The alleged victim told cops that Philon requested she and another female companion accompany him out to his vehicle where he kept his money. While at his white BMW, Darius allegedly grabbed a black handgun and pointed it at the alleged victims chest ... while saying "which one of you wants a bullet?"

Darius allegedly lowered the weapon ... before again allegedly pointing it at the woman.

The alleged victim told cops she retreated to the club ... and Philon drove away, according to the report.

The alleged victim told police Philon returned to the club the following night -- telling her he "wanted to make things right -- and asked her to leave with him. She says she denied the request, and attempted to walk away … but claims Darius grabbed her by the arm and prevented her from leaving.

She told cops she was eventually able to get away from him and return to work … however, she says he followed her around for approximately 30 minutes before leaving the club.

The alleged victim did not immediately report the incident to cops. She waited several weeks before going to Phoenix PD … who then launched an investigation.

PPD concluded their investigation and arrested Philon Friday around 11 AM.

Philon -- who signed a 2-year $10 million contract earlier this year -- is in his 5th season in the NFL. Prior to joining the Cards, he played for the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. He racked up 8.5 sacks over the last 2 years.

Philon is still currently behind bars … and is set to appear before a judge on Saturday

President Trump claims he's cool with Colin Kaepernick getting back into the NFL, but adds it'll never happen because his nemesis doesn't have the right stuff to make it in the league.

The Prez was outside the White House Friday morning when a reporter asked if Kap should get an opportunity to play again. Trump's response initially seemed like a shocking endorsement ... until he bragged about knowing all the NFL owners, and said they're not signing Kaepernick because he sucks. We're paraphrasing, but watch the video.

Trump also addressed the concern millions of parents have right now -- students are about to go back to school on the heels of last weekend's mass shootings. He had one response, but said 2 different things.

POTUS said students have "nothing to fear," and should focus on their studies. Then, he decided to praise his administration and shade Barack Obama over the safety of the nation's schools.

Moments after saying students shouldn't be afraid, he added ... "That doesn't mean there's not going to be some crazy person."

ESPN has postponed its broadcast of a shooter-style video game tournament that was scheduled to air this weekend ... in light of the recent mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.

The Apex Legends Battle Royale game -- which has a Teen rating -- is huge in the gaming community and is Fortnite's biggest competitor in the genre. It has "cartoonish" characters that use weapons to eliminate opponents.

The network was planning to air footage from the EXP Invitational at the X Games that was held on August 2 ... but our sources confirm it's been pushed back "out of respect for the victims and all those impacted in the immediate aftermath of the shootings."

Of course, President Trump partly blamed video games for the 2 mass shootings in Ohio and Texas -- where at least 31 people were killed -- in a speech at the White House on Monday.

"We must stop the glorification of violence in our society -- this includes the gruesome and grizzly video games that are now commonplace," POTUS said.

"It is too easy today for troubled youth to surround themselves with a culture that celebrates violence."

Ex-U.S. Olympian Michael Barisone -- who competed in Dressage in the 2008 Olympics -- allegedly shot a woman at his upscale equestrian center in Jersey, according to reports.

The 54-year-old reportedly got into a dispute with the woman at the fancy 53-acre Hawthorne Farm in Long Valley around 2:15 PM on Wednesday ... and things escalated.

Barisone reportedly opened fire multiple times -- striking the woman, who was raced to a nearby hospital. According to the NY Post, her condition has been described as "up in the air."

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office confirmed an incident at that farm and said a suspect had been taken into custody ... but they have not officially named Barisone.

According to law enforcement, the suspect was also injured in the incident ... along with a 3rd person.

Cops are still investigating -- but according to the Post, Barisone is expected to be hit with charges in the very near future.

The dispute has been described to the Post as a "tenant/landowner" issue.

Barisone is a monster in the equestrian world -- he was named the 2009 Sportsman International Horseman of the Year and went on to train several Olympic riders ... including Alison Brock, who won a team bronze medal in Dressage in the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Singer Eric Keyes says he was at a loss for words when he found his therapist -- who helped him battle PTSD after getting shot -- is the father of the El Paso gunman.

Eric was on "TMZ Live" to talk about the ironic twist. He told us he was in tears when he found out that his mental health counselor, Bryan Crusius, had to cancel a weekly appointment to deal with his own family tragedy after his son, 21-year-old Patrick Crusius, gunned down 22 people inside a Walmart.

Eric, a Texas guitarist and singer, was shot in 2012 at point blank range when a gunman showed up at his house. He said he can't imagine what Bryan's going through, especially when tragedy hits so close to home.

Bryan's had Eric's back for some time now -- he started a GoFundMe campaign for the musician last October after the shooting left him with permanent injuries, like nerve damage in his left arm which meant he couldn't play guitar anymore.

Shoreline Mafia member Ohgeesy didn't have the happiest time at Disneyland -- he got kicked out after an alleged gun threat was made by someone in his crew ... but he calls BS.

Disneyland sources who were present tell TMZ ... the rapper and his entourage were at the park in Anaheim Tuesday, and they were all in line for the Indiana Jones Adventure ride when it broke down.

We're told Ohgeesy's group got upset after waiting for about 15 minutes and decided to make their exit, but one guy was really irritated and allegedly threatened a ride worker. Our sources say the guy warned the employee not to mess with him because he had a gun.

Law enforcement sources tell us Disney's police and security were called and the guy was removed from the park. However, we're told by cops the threat was more along the lines of, "I'm going to go home and get my gun." Sources who were present at the ride, however, say the guy suggested he had a gun on him.

Shortly afterward, Ohgeesy and his entire crew went to guest services to demand refunds ... and were booted out of the park for what security felt was bad behavior.

Ohgeesy shared his side of the situation on social media, saying he was just taking his son to Disney and "they talkin bout someone heard my boy say he got a gun and then wouldnt gimme a refund on like 2 bands worth of tix."

He also shared a video of himself accosting a female employee, calling her a bitch and telling her to shut up ... so it's not hard to see why he got kicked out.

The rapper also shared some additional video of Disney employees and park security seemingly standing in front of him and his group as they were removed from the park.

Prisoners near El Paso are holding a bake sale for the victims of the mass shooting this weekend -- and by bake ... we actually mean baked potato.

The Otero County Prison Facility -- which is in Chaparral, New Mexico, about 30 minutes North of the Texas town -- is putting on an event Friday on its grounds, where inmates will be selling loaded baked potatoes to prison staff ... in an effort to raise money.

Nissi Jimenez, an Otero County Prison official, says the facility wanted to help their neighbors in any way possible ... figuring it would be a great way to help the grieving community with an in-house effort. All proceeds will be given to the El Paso Community Foundation, which is facilitating donations for the victims and their families.

As for how it'll work ... we're told the prison bought around 150 potatoes for the event, and plan to have 15 inmates working the kitchen to hand out the stuffed snack at $6 a pop, plus charging extra for add-ons.

Their goal is to raise $1,000 in baked potato sales ... but the facility is also taking straight-up check and cash donations in addition to potato profits. It'll all go down in the front lobby, where hundreds of prison employees are expected to attend.

There are more ways the prison plans to contribute -- Jimenez says there are extracurricular clubs in which prisoners participate, and 4 of them have committed to donating money toward the event ... upwards of $1,000 has been pledged so far.

Might sound like small potatoes, but at a time like this ... every penny counts for hospital bills, medical procedures, and other costs.

More than a dozen Times Square tourists are nursing injuries after fears an active shooter was opening fire caused mass chaos -- but it turns out, it was just a bunch of motorcycles backfiring.

The scene around 10 PM Tuesday was insane ... hundreds fleeing in all directions, stampeding over each other as they sought cover. Some ran into packed Broadway theaters which brought productions to a halt.

In the panic, several people suffered broken bones and lacerations -- multiple slammed their heads into signs and other displays as they fled. The scene clearly reflects the nation's uneasiness after last weekend's mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.

NYPD says what really happened is a group of people on motorcycles rode through the Square with their engines backfiring as they went -- and that sound caused the mass panic.

Cops are now using surveillance cameras to try to identify the motorcyclists ... and we're told they could be charged with reckless endangerment.

GoFundMe is going to extreme lengths to make sure no one scams money from people looking to donate to the families of mass shooting victims ... and so far, the company says the funds are being distributed as intended.

Sadly, a harsh reality -- fake accounts pop up in the wake of tragedies like this weekend's massacres in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio ... but GoFundMe tells us they're implementing safeguards to ensure no one gets duped this time around.

Honchos at GoFundMe tell TMZ ... the company has a team working around the clock to review and verify all the campaigns seeking money related to the El Paso and Dayton mass shootings, ensuring donations end up in the right hands.

The confirmation process goes like this ... before any money is released or transferred to the beneficiary of the campaign, their information, including their banking information, is verified. If there are any red flags, GoFundMe freezes the funds until they're sure everything is kosher.

You might notice something different on the GoFundMe site for this go-round ... they've launched a centralized hub for verified campaigns, and we're told they're working directly with campaign organizers to guarantee funds raised for the tragedies are not misappropriated.

As you know ... 22 people were killed in the mass shooting in El Paso, and hours later in Ohio, another shooter took 9 innocent lives.

Steve Kerr says he's legitimately fearful a shooter could walk into Warriors practice and start "spraying" him and the team ... after the latest massacres in Dayton and El Paso.

"I think about it all the time," the Golden State head coach said this week. "Somebody could walk in the door in the gym right now and start spraying us with an AR-15."

"They could," he added. "It might happen because we’re all vulnerable."

Kerr -- in a sit-down interview with the Bay Area News Group on Monday -- candidly revealed his concerns after at least 31 more people died in mass shootings over the weekend in Texas and Ohio.

The head coach says all of the violence has made him feel he's not safe anywhere ... including in an NBA gym.

"We’re all vulnerable," he said, "whether we go to a concert, a church, the mall or go to the movie theater or a school."

The 53-year-old says there's only one way to fix the issue ... saying American citizens need to "demand change from the gutless leadership that continues to allow this to happen."

Steve adds the country's leaders need to reevaluate the second amendment, saying, "The only thing that second amendment is doing is leading to mass murder right now. This is all just insanity."

Kerr does believe there's momentum building among America's citizens to force a change ... and he's ready to see the day where gun ownership is more heavily regulated.

Congressman Adam Kinzinger is having an epiphany after the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton -- saying it's time to change some gun laws, and time to say screw partisan politics.

The GOP lawmaker from Illinois was on "TMZ Live" Tuesday to discuss last weekend's domestic terrorism -- resulting in 31 deaths -- and why it compelled him to do an about-face on 2 key points on gun control. He's now supporting universal background checks -- a House measure he voted against earlier this year -- and raising the gun purchasing age from 18 to 21.

Kinzinger says he's fully aware his new views could potentially hurt him politically, but he doesn't care. Just as importantly, he strongly believes there's a way for Democrats and Republicans to come together on this issue.

You've gotta see what Kinzinger is proposing because, honestly, it's refreshing to hear from anyone in Washington, DC.

Kinzinger makes no bones about it ... he's sick and tired of partisan politics when it comes to preventing future mass shootings.

Donald Trump is promoting the notion President Obama got a pass from past Presidents when there were mass shootings on his watch ... but the differences are glaring, obvious and, frankly, enraging.

Trump tweeted a quote from Brian Kilmeade from "Fox & Friends" ... "Did George Bush ever condemn President Obama after Sandy Hook. President Obama had 32 mass shootings during his reign. Not many people said Obama is out of Control. Mass shootings were happening before the President even thought about running for Pres."

Kilmeade said that Tuesday morning on his show, and 45 must've been watching -- and perhaps applauding -- the response to Obama's comments Monday. The former Prez said, "We should soundly reject language coming out of the mouths of any of our leaders that feeds a climate of fear and hatred or normalizes racist sentiments; leaders who demonize those who don't look like us, or suggest that other people, including immigrants, threaten our way of life, or refer to other people as sub-human, or imply that America belongs to just one certain type of people."

Obama is clearly referencing Trump -- and who can argue with him? Donald Trump preaches fear -- undeniable. He demonizes those who don't look like us -- undeniable. And, on and on.

Donald Trump laughed at a rally when someone said the solution to immigrants coming into the country illegally was to shoot them.

FACT -- Obama advocated banning assault weapons, but too many members of Congress sold their souls to the NRA for their own self-preservation and wouldn't hear of it.

Trump came up with an alternative theory -- somehow put the brakes on the insidious video games, which he links to mass shootings. FACT -- in Japan in 2017 there were 22 shooting crimes. Video games in Japan are wildly popular -- way more than in the United States.

So, the overarching message from President Obama addresses the destruction of America and the rise of white nationalists who clearly feel empowered to mete out justice, John Wick-style.