Philadelphia Police ID Person of Interest in Murder of Journalist Josh Kruger

Philadelphia police have reportedly identified a person of interest in the killing of journalist Josh Kruger, who was shot seven times at his home Monday.

Local media reported that police declined to identify the person they are searching for in connection with the case.

Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore told the Philadelphia Inquirer that there isn’t an arrest warrant in the case, but they want to question the man.

Police say Kruger, 39, was shot by someone who entered his home and opened fire just before 1:30 a.m. Monday.

The journalist was found collapsed in the street. Detectives believe he was shot just inside the front door of his residence and had gone outside, seeking help.

Kruger was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where was pronounced dead at about 2:15 a.m.

Police believe the door to his Point Breeze home was unlocked or the shooter knew how to get in. It was previously reported that he likely knew his killer.

Who is Josh Kruger?

Kruger was a contributing writer for the Philadelphia Citizen as well as the Inquirer, Philadelphia Magazine, LGBTQ Nation, and Billy Penn.

“Josh cared deeply about our city and its residents, which was evident both in his public service and in his writing. His intelligence, creativity, passion, and wit shone bright in everything that he did — and his light was dimmed much too soon,” Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement.

Kruger handled social media for the mayor and communications for the Office of Homeless Services from about 2016 to 2021. He left city government to focus on writing projects for news outlets and progressive causes.

His death triggered a wave of criticism on social media from conservatives, who highlighted the journalist's past X/Twitter posts that rejected the perception that Philly is a violent city.

In a statement Monday, District Attorney Larry Krasner praised Kruger's contributions to the city.

“As an openly queer writer who wrote about his own journey surviving substance use disorder and homelessness, ... Josh Kruger lifted up the most vulnerable and stigmatized people in our communities — particularly unhoused people living with addiction,” Krasner said. “Josh deserved to write the ending of his personal story.”