District Attorney Larry Krasner, Mayor Jim Kenney Speak Out On Philadelphia's Ongoing Gun Violence Crisis
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia eclipsed more than 400 homicides for the second straight year over the weekend, and some of the city's political leaders have released statements on the ongoing gun violence crisis. District Attorney Larry Krasner released a statement on Sunday saying that all Philadelphians should be outraged by the senseless violence that continues to claim lives in the city.
Here's his full statement below:
"We should all be outraged that senseless, preventable violence continues to claim and break lives here in Philadelphia and in communities across the country that are also experiencing alarming increases in gun violence. We have seen cycles of increased homicides before, and we have more research and data than ever on which to formulate solutions.
"For starters, we simply must become a society that invests vigorously and continuously in children. That means safe, structured learning environments for all kids, in buildings free of neurotoxins and where regular access to nutritious meals is a given. Kids also need quality, reliable after-school options, which should include clean playgrounds and recreation centers and open, staffed public libraries.
"As for the criminal justice system, we must absolutely restructure institutions so that violence prevention is a true priority. That means taking advantage of forensic technologies to solve shootings that are not captured on camera or for which there are no available eyewitnesses; shoring up training and staffing for homicide and non-fatal shooting investigations, so that far more than 29% of homicides and 15% of non-fatal shootings do result in arrest, and therefore accountability within the criminal justice system; and greater accountability to the public, so that there is more trust among community members and potential witnesses in the police and criminal justice system."
Early Saturday morning, a triple shooting in Fairhill left one woman dead and two men injured. Another triple shooting in Strawberry Mansion resulted in one man being killed and another two men being hospitalized.
Over the weekend, there were also shootings in South Philadelphia, Nicetown, Hunting Park, Kensington, and West Philadelphia.
As of Sunday, homicides are 16% from 2020, according to the data provided by the Philadelphia Police Department. The city recorded 499 homicides in 2020.
Mayor Jim Kenney also spoke on the city surpassing 400 homicides.
"I am heartbroken and outraged that we've lost more than 400 Philadelphians to preventable violence this year," he tweeted. "My heart goes out to all families suffering from enormous grief. Our administration continues to act with urgency to reduce violence and save lives."
DA Krasner will address the grim milestone Monday at 11 a.m.
