Philadelphia will not tolerate ‘knockout game,’ Nutter vows

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     SEPTA surveillance video from Oct. 26 shows a man run up and punch a passenger on the Market Frankford train. (Courtesy of NBC10)

    SEPTA surveillance video from Oct. 26 shows a man run up and punch a passenger on the Market Frankford train. (Courtesy of NBC10)

    Philadelphia authorities are sending a strong message about a rash of attacks springing up throughout the country.

    The sudden attacks, which have been cropping op on social media, are known as “the knockout game” because a single blow is meant to knock out a random person targeted.

    Authorities will not tolerate any such act, Michael Nutter vowed Monday evening.

    “There is no excuse for this kind of behavior,” he said. “It will not be tolerated in the city, we will do everything that we can to prevent it. But if someone does engage in this, we will catch you, you will be prosecuted and your life will be changed dramatically.”

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    Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said he’s not sure how many knockout attacks have occurred in Philadelphia.

    “There have been a handful that could have fallen into this category of crime and we are aggressively pursuing anyone who could have been responsible for such an act,” he said.

    The commissioner said the practice is not widespread in the city.

    Nutter asked parents to speak to their children.

    “To parents, I’m asking you in the most straightforward fashion, talk to your children about what’s going on,” he said.

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