During an overnight news conference, Kenney decried the ongoing gun violence in the city, saying, “I worry 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 when he continued, “Well, everything we’ve had in the city for the last seven years, I’m concerned. I don’t enjoy the Fourth of July. I don’t enjoy the Democratic National Convention. I don’t enjoy the NFL Draft. “I keep waiting for something bad to happen. I’ll be happy when I’m not mayor and I can enjoy some things,” Kenney said. In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, Kenney said he wanted to clarify those comments. “In a late-night, overwhelming moment of disappointment, I said I look 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 it,” Kenney said. Kenney said he wanted to be mayor to help “every Philadelphian reach its potential.” “I care deeply about the safety of our residents and the future of our city, and that’s why I’m disappointed in how I expressed my feelings last night. I made Philadelphians feel like I don’t care, and that can’t be further from from the truth,” he said. At 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, in regards to his statements. That’s not what we’re here for,” Clark said, adding that the council was committed to making sure people in the city “have the quality of life it should be”. However, Council Member Cherelle Parker was much more vocal in her criticism. “I want to state for the record that I think the mayor’s comments were stupid,” Parker said. “I told him ‘if you can feel that way, imagine how Philadelphians feel who can’t check out on a daily basis,’” he said. The injured officers were released from hospital early Tuesday morning after suffering grazing injuries. The shooting erupted near the 2400 block of Spring Garden Road as fireworks lit up the area above the Art Museum around 9:45 p.m. Revelers were left shuffling, unsure of what was happening in the chaos. “We’ve got to understand what this country is right now. We had a beautiful day out there today, except for some dudes either shooting out a window or shooting from somewhere that has a gun that probably shouldn’t have,” Kenney said. during an early morning press conference. Kenney spoke 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 so they should be here. But look, in my life, it’s never going to happen. A lot of balls out there with guns and they can take them whenever they want, so they have to live with it,” Kenney said. The mayor and other city officials often point out that the Pennsylvania state constitution prohibits Philadelphia from enacting its own gun laws. The City of Philadelphia website has an explanation that says: Philadelphia can’t create gun restrictions because of a state law that says “No county, township or municipality may in any manner regulate the lawful ownership, possession, transportation or conveyance of firearms, ammunition or ammunition parts 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 our city’s gun violence — 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 weapons into our city.” We’ll continue to do everything we can to combat gun violence in our city—including taking a record number of guns off the streets—but we’re fighting an uphill battle. We are 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 country with guns. It’s crazy. We’re the most armed country in the history of the world and we’re one of the least safe. Until the American people decide they want to give up their guns and give up the opportunity to take up arms, 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 Danielle 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 very thankful it wasn’t worse than it was,” Outlaw said. “There’s a lot going on in the country. There’s a lot going on in the world. Obviously, Philadelphia is no stranger to gun violence. It’s a slap in the face when we here are tasked with protecting, serving and ensuring those who come here from all over to celebrate the Fourth of July in a safe and effective way – is it a slap in the face? Yes, it is,” said the outlaw. “But it doesn’t stop us from doing what we do.” Outlaw said one of the injured officers said he will be back and wants 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 shootings this year. A 6% increase over this time last year. MAYOR KENNEY’S FULL STATEMENT: Today Mayor Jim Kenney gave updates on the July 4th shooting on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including his statement 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 police officers were not seriously injured and have been treated and released from the hospital. I pray 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 swift response to ensure the safety of all event guests. They were able to quickly evacuate and clear the Parkway and ensure everyone got home safely. “This is a deeply traumatic incident for our city. No one wants to feel unsafe when they are out in public attending a holiday event. I was down on the Parkway, like every year, and saw families enjoying what was supposed to be a big family event Those responsible for yesterday’s incident should be very ashamed of their actions. “Unfortunately, as we’ve seen across the nation and here in Philadelphia, gun violence is all too prevalent in our communities, and the common thread of so much of that violence is the proliferation of guns. Our administration and public safety partners will continue to do everything we can 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 stop the flow of guns into our city. “I would also like to clarify some of the comments I made at the press conference last night at Jefferson Hospital. In a late night, overwhelming moment of frustration, I said that I look forward to not being mayor anymore. Let me be clear, I am incredibly grateful for being the mayor of this great city and for the people who elected me to lead. “Cities and city leaders across the country have felt the effects of the pandemic and the escalating epidemic of gun violence for years. There has been so much tragedy in this country lately, and many of us are dealing with the trauma and our emotions. frustration, anger, and deep sadness about the issues plaguing 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 it is a burden I have carried with me me every day-every waking moment And I know that too many residents worry every day about their safety and the safety of their loved ones. “I care deeply about the safety of our residents and the future of our city, and that’s why I’m disappointed in how I expressed my feelings last night. I made Philadelphians feel like I don’t care, and that can’t be further from from The Truth. I’ve said it many times before, I lay 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 many anxieties. 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 destroyed 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. Copyright © 2022 WPVI-TV. All rights reserved.
