On a sunny Sunday afternoon in Rittenhouse Square, a peaceful city park turned into a scene of chaos and violence. A 34-year-old man named Thomas Riceman, filled with anger and hatred, attacked a park ranger with scissors, leaving the community in shock.
The incident unfolded when Riceman, a resident of University City, decided to enter a security booth in the park and cause trouble. When the park ranger approached him and politely asked him to leave, Riceman’s response was nothing short of horrifying. He lashed out with the scissors, stabbing the ranger in the face and head while shouting, “Go back to your country!”
Despite his injuries, the brave park ranger managed to subdue Riceman and handcuff him before the police arrived. The swift action of law enforcement led to Riceman’s arrest, but the damage had already been done.
The wounded ranger was rushed to Thomas Jefferson University for treatment, where he received medical care and was later released. The ordeal left a scar not just on his body, but on the unity and peace of the community as well.
Thomas Riceman now faces a slew of charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, ethnic intimidation, and making terroristic threats. His senseless act of violence has brought to light the ugly face of hatred and discrimination that still exists in our society.