PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney addressed the city’s escalating violence after two police officers were shot at the Parkway event’s Welcome America party Monday night, saying it left him “expecting with looking forward to not being mayor’.
Both officers were released from the hospital early Tuesday morning after suffering lacerations.
The shooting erupted near 2400 Spring Garden Street as a fireworks display lit up the area above the Art Museum around 9:45 p.m.
Revelers were left scurrying about, unsure of what was happening in the chaos.
“We have to deal with what this country is right now. We had a great day today, except for some idiot shooting out a window or shooting from somewhere that has a gun that probably shouldn’t have,” Kenney said during an early morning news conference.
Kenny talked about his visit to Canada two weeks ago. While there, he said, he never thought about gun violence.
“The only people I knew who had guns in Canada were police officers, and that’s the way it should be here. But look, in my lifetime that will never happen. A lot of fools out there with guns and they can get whenever they want, so that’s what we have to live with,” Kenny said.
The mayor and other city officials often point out that the Pennsylvania state constitution prohibits Philadelphia from creating its own gun laws.
The City of Philadelphia website has an explanation that reads:
Philadelphia cannot enact gun restrictions because of a state law that states: “No county, municipality, or municipality shall in any manner regulate the lawful ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, or ammunition components when carried or transported for purposes not prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth.”
On Twitter, Kenney said: “We’ll continue to do everything we can to fight gun violence in our city — including taking a record number of guns off the streets — but we’re fighting an uphill battle. We’re asking lawmakers to help us stop the flow of guns into our city.”
We’ll continue to do everything we can to fight gun violence in our city — including taking a record number of guns off the streets — but we’re fighting an uphill battle. We’re asking lawmakers to help us stop the flow of guns into our city.
— Jim #VaxUpPhilly Kenney (@PhillyMayor) July 5, 2022
Kenney told reporters: “This is a gun country. This is crazy. We are the most armed country in the history of the world and we are one of the least safe. So until Americans decide they want to give up guns and give up the ability to get guns, we’re going to have this problem.”
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Kenny, who was wearing a soccer jersey, was asked about his concerns about the upcoming 2026 World Cup and other big events coming up in Philadelphia.
“I’m worried every day. There isn’t an event or a day when I don’t lie on my back at night, staring at the ceiling and worrying about things. Everything we’ve had in town for the past seven years, I’m worried about. I didn’t like the Fourth of July. I did not like the Democratic National Convention. I didn’t like the NFL Draft.
“I’m always waiting for something bad to happen. I’ll be happy when I’m not mayor and I can enjoy some things,” Kenny said.
When asked to clarify his statement — whether he’s looking forward to not being mayor — Kenney said, “Yeah, actually.”
Kenney still has 18 months left in his second term.
“Slap in the Face”
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Daniel Outlaw joined Mayor Kenney at the press conference to talk about the shooting.
The commissioner said the circumstances surrounding the shooting of the two officers remain unknown.
“We’re all extremely thankful that it wasn’t worse than what it was,” Outlaw said.
“There are many things in the country. There are many things in the world. Apparently, Philadelphia is no stranger to gun violence. Is it a slap in the face when those of us here are tasked with protecting, serving and ensuring that those who come here from all over to celebrate the Fourth of July in a safe and effective manner – is it a slap in the face? Yes, it is.” Outlaw said. “But that doesn’t stop us from doing what we do.
Outlaw said one of the injured officers said he would be back and wanted to work the event again next year.
The commissioner asked anyone with video or information to contact police.
According to the latest statistics from the Philadelphia Police Department, there have been 2,108 shooting incidents this year. A 6% increase on this time last year.
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