U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon's Vehicle Found 45 Miles Away After Carjacking, 5 Arrested

Pennsylvania Representative Mary Gay Scanlon's car was found Wednesday night across the Delaware border about 45 miles from where it was stolen at gunpoint in Philadelphia earlier that day. Delaware State Police said that five suspects were inside the vehicle when it was discovered, and they were all taken into police custody.

The carjacking took place after taking Scanlon took part in Wednesday's meeting in Philadelphia's FDR Park. She was walking to her parked car at about 3 p.m. when two armed men appeared and ordered her to hand over her keys, according to police. She gave the men her keys, and one of the suspects drove away in her blue Acura MDX while the other followed in a dark-colored sport utility vehicle.

Scanlon's spokesperson, Lauren Cox, said in a statement that she was not harmed during the encounter. Police located her car later that night in a shopping center in Newark, Delaware.

"She thanks the Philadelphia Police Department for their swift response, and appreciates the efforts of both the Sergeant at Arms in D.C. and her local police department for coordinating with Philly PD to ensure her continued safety," Cox said in the statement.

Illinois state Senator Kimberly Lightford and her husband were also carjacked Tuesday night in west suburban Broadview, WLS-TV reported. Neither was harmed and police are working to find the suspects and her vehicle.

Several personal and work items were also taken with Scanlon's vehicle, police said.

"I am relieved that Congresswoman Scanlon was not physically injured, and my thoughts are with her during this difficult time," Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said in a statement, vowing that police would provide any support needed.

Scanlon, whose district includes portions of south Philadelphia and neighboring Delaware County, was among elected officials meeting to discuss constituent concerns around ongoing development plans for the park, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Mayor Jim Kenney said he was "appalled to learn of this violent crime" against the congresswoman, whom he described as his friend and colleague.

"My thoughts are with her during what I'm sure is a traumatic time," he said in a Twitter post.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe in our city, and sadly that hasn't always been the case this year," Kenney said. "It's disheartening and infuriating that criminals feel emboldened to commit such a reckless crime in the middle of the day in what should be a place of peace—one of our city's parks."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.