Philly Could Set New Record For Homicides, Officials Say During First Gun Violence Briefing

Aaron Moselle at WHYY offers a piece on Mayor Jim Kenney’s briefing on gun violence in Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia is experiencing an ongoing surge in fatal shootings that could set a new record at the end of 2021: the deadliest year in city history when it comes to homicides. 

At least 103 people have been murdered so far this year, a 30% increase over the same time last year. Police say most homicides can be traced back to an argument, drugs, or domestic disputes.

More than 380 people have been shot fatally or non-fatally, including 40 children, according to police. 

“The number of guns that are on the street is irrational and crazy,” said Mayor Jim Kenney during the city’s first public briefing on how it’s responding to gun violence. 

These briefings, which will now happen every two weeks, come roughly six months after City Council overwhelmingly passed a resolution introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier calling on the Kenney administration to host regular public updates on gun violence — similar to the way the city hosts COVID-19 briefings each week. 

You can read the rest of the piece via the below link: 

Philly could set new records for homicides in 2021 - WHYY