PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney issued a statement Tuesday following controversial comments he made following a shooting during the city’s Fourth of July holiday that left two police officers injured.
At a news conference overnight, Kenney condemned the ongoing gun violence in the city, saying: “I am concerned every day. There isn’t an event or a day that goes by that I don’t lie on my back at night, staring at the ceiling and worrying about things.”
But the mayor raised eyebrows as he continued: “So I’m worried about everything we’ve had in the city for the last seven years. I don’t like the Fourth of July. I didn’t like the Democratic National Convention. I don’t enjoy 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.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Kenney said he wanted to clarify those comments.
“Late one night, a huge moment of frustration, I said I was looking forward to not being mayor anymore. Let me be clear, I am incredibly grateful to be mayor of this great city and for the people who elected me to lead,” Kenney said.
Kenney said he wants to be mayor to help “every Philadelphian reach their potential.”
“I care deeply about the safety of our residents and the future of our city, and so I am disappointed in the way I expressed my feelings last night. I made the people of Philadelphia feel like I didn’t care, and that couldn’t be further from the truth,” he said.
Around the same time his statement was released, members of the Philadelphia City Council held a news conference about gun violence in the city and the July 4th shooting.
Council President Darrell Clark said he didn’t want to dwell on the mayor’s comments.
“I will acknowledge the level of controversy surrounding the 2nd floor, the mayor, regarding his statements. We’re not here for that,” Clarke said, adding that the council was committed to making sure people in the city “have the quality of life they deserve.”
Council member Cheryl Parker, however, was much harsher in her criticism.
“I want to state for the record that I think the mayor’s comments were foolish,” Parker said. “I told him, ‘if you can feel that way, imagine how the people of Philadelphia feel who don’t get to check every day,'” she said.
The injured officers were released from 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’ve had a great day out there 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.”
RELATED: ‘Like the running of the bulls’: Witnesses describe scene on Parkway
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.
“A lot of things are happening in the country. There’s a lot going on 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.
FULL STATEMENT FROM MAYOR KENNY:
Today, Mayor Jim Kenney provided an update on the July 4th shooting on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including addressing his statements at last night’s press conference.
“Last night’s shooting was a truly horrific moment for our city. I am deeply grateful that the two police officers who were injured were not seriously injured and were treated and released from the hospital. I am praying for a full and speedy recovery for both of them.
“I would like to thank the Philadelphia Police Department, Office of Emergency Management and our other public safety partners for their quick response to ensure the safety of all event guests. They were able to evacuate and clear Parkway quickly and ensure everyone got home safely.
“This is a deeply traumatic incident for our city. No one wants to feel unsafe when out in public and attending a holiday event. I was down on the Parkway as I do every year and witnessed families enjoying what should have been a great family event. Those responsible for last night’s incident should be very ashamed of their actions.
“Unfortunately, as we’ve seen across the country and right here in Philadelphia, gun violence is far too prevalent in our communities, and the common thread through so much of that violence is the proliferation of guns. Our administration, along with our public safety partners, will continue to do everything in their power to combat rising gun violence in our city — including taking a record number of guns off the streets — but we’re fighting an uphill battle, and we’re asking lawmakers to help us to stop the flow of guns into our city.
“I would also like to clarify some of the comments I made at the press briefing last night at Jefferson Hospital. Late one night, a moment of great frustration, I said I was looking forward to not being mayor anymore. clearly, I’m incredibly grateful to be mayor of this great city and for the people who elected me to lead.
“Cities and city leaders across the country have been feeling the impact of the pandemic and the escalating epidemic of gun violence for years. There have been so many tragedies in this country recently, and many of us are dealing with trauma and feelings of frustration, anger, and deep sadness about the problems that plague our society. I ran for mayor with the goal of helping every Philadelphian reach their potential. As mayor, I feel personally responsible for the well-being of every Philadelphian, and that’s a burden I carry with me every day – every waking moment. And I know that too many residents worry daily about their safety and that of their loved ones.
“I care deeply about the safety of our residents and the future of our city, and so I am disappointed in the way I expressed my feelings last night. I made Philadelphians feel like I didn’t care, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve said it many times before, I lie awake at night thinking about the challenges our city residents face and what else we can do or do differently to solve them. Being mayor comes with a lot of restless nights, so I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep.
“Our residents deserve to feel safe in their city and our traditions cannot and will not be ruined by the scourge of gun violence. I love this city and as mayor I want nothing more than 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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