For weeks, Kobe Artis, 24, garnered a social media following for walking around Kensington openly carrying an assault rifle-style pistol.
Cracking jokes on podcasts, highlighting local businesses on his Instagram, and posting videos of himself advising young people to buy guns, Artis brandished his distinctly-stickered guns whenever he was seen on social media. Eventually, these public displays brought the attention of authorities.
On Tuesday, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Artis’ arrest, charging him with illegal transfer of firearms and other offenses, stemming from a social media video where Artis gives his guns to someone who is not allowed to possess firearms, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
In the video, Artis can be seen with a “distinct AR-style pistol” with a white sticker on the magazine and a white buffer tube with black lettering on it. Artis can be seen transferring the AR-style pistol and a black handgun with a miniature reflex sight attachment to another person.
“The heinous actions of Defendant Kobe Artis are disgraces to our Philadelphia community. Walking around like a one-man army is absolutely intimidating, frightening, disturbing, and troubling to witness. Defendant Artis is not a role model for anyone. His unlawful actions will be appropriately prosecuted and he will be held accountable.”
Artis’ videos often feature the 24-year-old advising other young people to arm themselves despite providing them with misinformation about gun ownership, Councilmember Quetcy Lozada said.
“This individual thought it was OK to walk around, misinform, and illegally connect individuals with firearms,” Lozada said. “I’m grateful he is off the streets because our community is a little safer tonight. One less illegal weapon off our streets is one step closer to the safer environment that Kensington residents deserve.”
While Lozada acknowledges the neighborhood faces many challenges regarding violence, she said bringing more firearms into the neighborhood only escalates violence.
“The sale of firearms to those who are unqualified, to those who have not undergone the necessary processes, will be met with zero tolerance. Not in Kensington, not in our city,” she said.