19 Charged in String of Gang-Related Shootings in Philadelphia

Prosecutors allege rival gangs used YouTube ad revenue from music videos about the shootings to fund further crimes.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Authorities say 19 people, including members of the Young Bag Chasers (YBC), Campers, Clappers, Klapperz (CCK), and Parkside Killers (PSK) gangs, will be charged in connection with a series of deadly shootings in South and Southwest Philadelphia between 2022 and 2024 that resulted in 5 homicides and 35 total shooting victims. The gang members allegedly created music videos about the shootings and used the YouTube ad revenue to fund further criminal activities.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of gang violence and the use of social media and music to glorify and profit from these crimes in Philadelphia. It raises concerns about the influence of 'drill rap' music and the need for greater community intervention to steer youth away from gang involvement and violence.

The details

According to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, the 19 suspects are facing multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and aggravated assault. The arrests were the result of a collaboration between the Philadelphia Police Department's Shooting Investigations Group and the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Prosecutors allege the rival gangs would record songs and make music videos about the shootings, then use the YouTube ad revenue to fund further criminal activities.

  • The shooting incidents occurred between 2022 and 2024.
  • On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 19 people were arrested in connection with the incidents.

The players

Young Bag Chasers (YBC)

A gang involved in the shooting incidents.

Campers, Clappers, Klapperz (CCK)

A gang documented by Philly rapper Schoolly D in a track released in 1985, also involved in the shooting incidents.

Parkside Killers (PSK)

A gang documented by Philly rapper Schoolly D in a track released in 1985, also involved in the shooting incidents.

Philadelphia District Attorney's Office

The office leading the investigation and prosecution of the 19 suspects.

Philadelphia Police Department's Shooting Investigations Group

The police unit that collaborated with the District Attorney's Office on the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's horrific what they've done with music in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is known for its drill rap, in which people are bragging about these horrible acts of violence.”

— Anna Walters, Assistant District Attorney (whyy.org)

“What we need to see is that you cannot brag about violence, you cannot make music about violence without consequences here.”

— Anna Walters, Assistant District Attorney (whyy.org)

“Parents in this city, if your children are listening to violent drill music, you are causing part of the problem. We need to get these kids off of drill music, get them off of YouTube and watching these videos. When we get on and we watch and that commercial gets on, whoever pulled that trigger is getting funding. Getting funding to go do it again.”

— William Fritze, Assistant District Attorney (whyy.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the 19 suspects out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for community-based interventions and education to address the growing problem of gang violence and the role of social media and music in perpetuating the cycle of retaliatory shootings in Philadelphia.