A British national who was in the United States illegally was fatally shot in Philadelphia on July 8, leading to mourning gatherings in London and charges against a 75-year-old homeowner. Salis Hanrahan, 20, from Essex, died from a gunshot wound to the chest after an incident at the home of George Barr, a retired firefighter.
Hanrahan, described by U.S. authorities as an illegal immigrant and a member of the "The Traveling Conman Fraud Group," a transnational criminal organization, was allegedly attempting to overcharge Barr for construction work. Local reports suggest Hanrahan sought approximately $65,000 for repairs on Barr's home. Hanrahan reportedly entered the U.S. without authorization and was denied an ESTA visa due to his alleged affiliation with the crime group, known for defrauding homeowners.
Following the shooting, Hanrahan collapsed on the pavement outside Barr's home in the Roxborough neighborhood and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. His body has since been repatriated to London.
Tribute in London
Mourners gathered in west London to commemorate what would have been Hanrahan's 21st birthday. The ceremony included the release of flares, balloons, and the display of placards reading "RIP Salis." The large gathering caused traffic disruptions, with vehicles parked across the street near the funeral parlor.
Barr has been charged with murder, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person. He is currently being held in custody and has not yet entered a plea. Court documents indicate that members of the "Travelers" group solicit construction work, often targeting elderly individuals, and then inflate prices or demand upfront payment for incomplete work.
Community Reactions
Members of Hanrahan's family and friends have publicly condemned Barr, referring to him as "evil" and "scum." Conversely, some local residents have expressed support for Barr, with one individual describing him as a "hero from [the] Vietnam War" and a long-time kind neighbor.
Tommy McKiernan, vice president of the Philadelphia firefighter's union, described Barr as an "exceptional firefighter" and stated that the incident was "way out of character" for him. McKiernan speculated that Barr might be dealing with trauma from his military service or his career as a firefighter, suggesting a possible confrontation that may have escalated.
Philadelphia police confirmed that a firearm was recovered at the scene and that the investigation is ongoing, being conducted by the Homicide Unit.