After police shot dead a 27-year-old black man holding a knife, protests erupted in Philadelphia, days ahead of the US Presidential elections. 

Two police officers shot African-American man Walter Wallace on Monday afternoon after he refused to drop the knife he was holding, despite his mother trying to pacify him. The family also raised questions on the use of lethal force by police as the man suffered from mental health issues.

Police used shields and batons to control the protesters, who gathered at the site of the incident in Philadelphia. 

During a night of riots and looting across the city, around 30 police officers were injured. A spokesperson for Philadelphia police said most injuries were caused as bricks and rocks were thrown.

Also Read | Coronavirus pandemic ‘really sucks’: Justin Trudeau tells Canadians

“All (are) in stable condition at various hospitals,” said Miguel Torres,” the spokesman.

The US has been hit a slew of protests and rioting since the extra judicial killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. Protestors across the country have accused the police of racism, police brutality, and amid rising protests President Trump has been touting himself of being the law and order candidate. The President has also blamed the ANTIFA for organising riots across the country. 

“We’ll be standing by and prepared to deploy federal resources, if necessary,” White House director of communications Alyssa Farah told Fox News on Tuesday.

“President Trump will not tolerate any violence directed at America’s law enforcement. We’re going to let the investigation play out, but we will not tolerate lawlessness in our streets,” told Farah.

A phone video of Monday’s killing posted on social media has shown Walter talking towards the police after he pushed his mother away.

“Put the knife down,” one of the officers shouted in the video, which panned away as officers opened fire.

Wallace’s father, also called Walter Wallace, said his son appeared to have been shot 10 times, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.”

“Why didn’t they use a Taser?” the paper quoted him as saying. “He has mental issues. Why do you have to gun him down?” he added, saying that his son was on medication.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw launched an investigation, saying that the video “raises many questions.”

“While at the scene this evening, I heard and felt the anger of the community,” she said in a statement.

“Everyone involved will forever be impacted. I will be leaning on what the investigation gleans to answer the many unanswered questions that exist,” as per Danielle Outlaw.