PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney issued a statement Tuesday following controversial comments following a July 4 shooting in the city in which two officers were injured. of police.
During an overnight press conference, Kenney denounced gun violence in the city, saying, “I’m worried every day. There’s no event or day when I’m not lying on my back at night, look the ceiling and worry about things.
But the mayor raised his eyebrows as he continued, “So everything we’ve had in the city for the last seven years, I’m worried. I don’t enjoy July 4. I didn’t enjoy the Democratic National Convention. I don’t enjoy it. of the NFL Draft.
“I’m waiting for something bad to happen all the time. I’ll be happy when I’m not mayor and can enjoy some things,” Kenney said.
In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, Kenney said he wanted to clarify those comments.
“In an overwhelming moment of frustration in the afternoon, I said I really wanted to stop being mayor. Let me be clear, I am incredibly grateful to be mayor of this great city and the people who have chosen me. to address me, ”Kenney said.
Kenney said he wanted to be mayor to help “every Philadelphia reach its potential.”
“I am deeply concerned about the safety of our residents and the future of our city, and that’s why I’m disappointed with how I conveyed my feelings last night. I made the Philadelphians feel that I didn’t care, and that didn’t it may be further away. the truth, “he said.
At the same time as his statement was made public, members of Philadelphia City Council held a press conference on armed violence in the city and the July 4 shooting.
Council President Darrell Clarke said he did not want to dwell on the mayor’s comments.
“I will recognize the level of controversy surrounding the 2nd floor, the mayor, regarding his statements. We are not here for that,” Clarke said, adding that the city council was committed to ensuring that the people in the city “have the quality.” of the life they should lead ”.
However, Councilor Cherelle Parker was much more punctual in her criticisms.
“I want to put on record that I think the mayor’s comments were absurd,” Parker said. “I told him,‘ if you can feel that way, imagine how Philadelphians feel who don’t have the ability to check in on a daily basis, ’” he said.
The injured officers were discharged from the hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning after suffering scraping wounds.
The fire broke out near 2400 Spring Garden Street when the fireworks show lit up the area above the Art Museum around 9:45 p.m.
The partygoers were left fighting, not knowing what was going on in the chaos.
“We need to understand what this country is about right now. Today we had a lovely day out there, except for a few fools shooting from a window or shooting from somewhere that have a gun that probably wouldn’t have. of having had it. ”Kenney said during a morning press conference.
Kenney talked about his visit to Canada two weeks ago. While he was there, he said, he never thought about armed violence.
“The only people I knew who had guns in Canada were the police officers and that’s how it should be here. But look, in my life, this will never happen. There are a lot of idiots out there with guns and they can get it. when they want to, so that’s what we have to live with, ”Kenney said.
The mayor and other city officials often point out that Pennsylvania’s state constitution prohibits Philadelphia from making its own gun laws.
The Philadelphia City website has an explanation that says:
Philadelphia cannot create restrictions on weapons due to a state law that states “No county, municipality or municipality may regulate in any way the legal ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or components of ammunition when transported or transported for purposes not prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth “.
On Twitter, Kenney said, “We will continue to do everything we can to combat the armed violence in our city, including the removal of a record number of guns from the streets, but we are fighting in a difficult battle. We ask lawmakers to help stop it. the flow of weapons into our city. “
We will continue to do everything we can to combat the armed violence in our city, including the withdrawal of a record number of guns from the streets, but we are fighting in a difficult battle. We ask lawmakers to help us stop the flow of weapons in our city.
– Jim #VaxUpPhilly Kenney (@PhillyMayor) July 5, 2022
Kenney told reporters, “This is a country of guns. It’s crazy. We’re the most armed country in world history and we’re one of the least secure. So until the Americans decide they want to give up guns and give up the opportunity to take up arms, we will have this problem. “
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Kenney still has 18 months until his second term expires.
“Slap in the face”
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw joined Mayor Kenney at the press conference to talk about the shooting.
The commissioner said the circumstances of the shooting of the two officers are unknown.
“We’re all very grateful that this wasn’t worse than it was,” Outlaw said.
“There are many things in the country. There are many things in the world. Obviously, Philadelphia is no stranger to armed violence. It is a slap in the face when those of us here are in charge of protecting and serving and securing it. Those who come here d ‘everywhere to celebrate July 4th in a safe and efficient way: is it a slap? Yes, it is. ” said the outlaw. “But that doesn’t stop us from doing what we’re doing.”
Outlaw said one of the injured officers said he will return and that he wants to work on the event again next year.
The commissioner asked that anyone with video or information contact the police.
According to the latest statistics from the Philadelphia Police Department, there have been 2,108 shootings this year. 6% more than at this time last year.
FULL STATEMENT BY MAYOR KENNEY:
Today, Mayor Jim Kenney provided updates on the July 4 shooting at Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including his statements at last night’s press conference.
“Last night’s shooting was a truly horrific time for our city. I am deeply grateful that the two injured officers were not seriously injured and were cared for and discharged from the hospital. I am praying for a complete and quick recovery for both of them.
“I would like to thank the Philadelphia Police Department, the Emergency Management Office and other public safety partners for their prompt response to ensure the safety of all guests at the event. They were able to evacuate and clean the Parkway quickly and ensure everyone gets home safely.
“This is a deeply traumatic incident for our city. No one wants to feel insecure when they are in public attending a celebratory event. I was on the Parkway, like every year, and I saw how the families enjoyed what they had. of being.a great family event.The perpetrators of last night’s incident should be very ashamed of their actions.
“Unfortunately, as we have seen across the country and right here in Philadelphia, armed violence is too common in our communities, and the common thread of so much violence is the proliferation of guns. Our administration along with our public safety The partners will continue to do everything possible to combat the rise of armed violence in our city, including the removal of a record number of guns from the streets, but we are fighting in a difficult battle and we ask lawmakers to help us. to stop the flow of weapons in our city.
“I would also like to clarify some of the comments I made at yesterday’s press conference at Jefferson Hospital. In a moment of overwhelming frustration last night, I said I was really looking forward to quitting being mayor. Sure, I am incredibly grateful to be mayor of this great city and of the people who have chosen me to lead.
“Cities and city leaders across the country have felt the impacts of the pandemic and the escalation of the epidemic of armed violence for years. There has been so much tragedy in this country lately, and many of us we are facing trauma and our feelings of frustration, anger and deep sadness over the problems affecting our society.I ran for mayor with the goal of helping all Philadelphians reach their potential.As a mayor , I feel personally responsible for the well-being of every Philadelphia, and it is a weight I carry with me every day, every waking moment.And I know that too many residents care daily for their safety and also for their loved ones.
“I am deeply concerned about the safety of our residents and the future of our city, and that’s why I’m disappointed with how I conveyed my feelings last night. I made the Philadelphians feel that I didn’t care, and that didn’t The truth, I have said many times, I am awake at night thinking about the challenges facing the residents of our city and what else we can do or do differently to solve them. entails a lot of restless nights., so i’m looking forward to sleeping well.
“Our residents deserve to feel safe in their city, and our traditions cannot and will not be ruined by the scourge of armed violence. I love this city, and as mayor there is nothing more I want to help solve this problem and keep our residents and visitors safe “.
Residents can find information and resources related to this incident here.
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