Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney is so angry about the ongoing gun violence that he says he looks forward to leaving office after two policemen were shot during the city’s 4th of july festival.
Kenney, a Democrat first elected in 2015, say nothing early Tuesday after Monday’s shooting in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art injured two officers during a free fireworks concert and show.
“The weather is nice, the concerts are nice, but we live in America, and we have a Second Amendment, and we have the Supreme Court of the United States declaring people that they can bring a gun to anywhere. wherever they want,” Kenney told reporters. after midnight while standing with Philly police outside Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where officers are recovering.
“We have to understand what’s going on in this country right now,” the mayor said.
Kenney said he’s so worried by the gun violence that is taking place at city events that he no longer appreciates them, or even the holidays.
“I don’t enjoy July 4th, I don’t enjoy the Democratic National Convention, I don’t like the NFL draft – I’m always waiting for something bad to happen,” he said. “So I’ll be happy I’m not here – when I’m not the mayor and I can enjoy some things.”
Pushed by a reporter, Kenney doubled down on his remarks, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
When asked if he would like to leave office, the mayor replied: “Yes, it is.”
“A chill, chill day” in Brotherly Love City changed dramatically when someone opened fire at a public event, says Kenney.
“We had a great day out there except for some nitwit…who had a gun and probably shouldn’t have it.”
The injured officers, who had grazing wounds to their heads and shoulders, were treated and released from the hospital, said Kenney. tweeted early Tuesday.
“We will continue to do everything we can to combat the city’s gun violence – including destroying a record number of guns on the streets – but we are fighting a battle,” Kenney said. difficult. “We’re begging lawmakers to help us stop the flow of guns into our city.”
Kenney said he’s determined to find answers to combat the city’s gun violence that has caused 267 homicides as of Monday – down 5% from the same time in 2021. according to Philadelphia police data. Last year, a record 562 people were killed in the city.
“Our tradition cannot and will not be ruined by the scourge of gun violence,” Kenney tweeted. “I love this city, and as mayor, I want nothing more than to help solve this problem and keep our residents and visitors safe.”
Responses to Kenney’s comments came quickly – with at least one person suggesting he resign.
“I know you probably already have a pair but let’s pull it together for filming,” one reply read. “Or just resign, obviously your heart is no longer for it.”
Others took the opportunity to shoot Kenney, claiming that he had united both Democrats and Republicans in the city to call for his resignation.
“May you finally enjoy the stuff”, one reviewer Fleer.
A notice seeking comment from Kenney’s office was not immediately returned early Tuesday.
“Proud to serve as mayor of Philadelphia,” his Twitter bio read.
Philadelphia police told The Post.
Meanwhile, a man in New Jersey says he will never attend a mass gathering again.
“The barricades have been knocked down,” Blake Miller told CBS Philadelphia of the chaos after the shot. “It was just a mad dash from all directions. From experience happening today, I will no longer go to large, crowded areas, especially during Wednesdays. I would never take my children anywhere in such a crowded event.”