Philly leaders react to South Street shooting

Elected officials and local organizations responded Sunday to the previous night’s mass shooting on South Street that left three people dead and 11 wounded.

They called for stricter gun control, answers to the city’s violence crisis and questioned the role of law enforcement.

Mayor Jim Kenney: “The events that transpired last evening on South Street are beyond devastating. Once again, we see lives senselessly lost and those injured in yet another horrendous, brazen and despicable act of gun violence. My heart is with the family, friends, loved ones of those lost or injured, and with everyone impacted by this terrible tragedy.

“Our city—and country—have experienced a steep rise in gun violence over the past few years. We’ve spent these years grappling with this rising epidemic and doing everything in our power not only to stop it but to try to understand why the violence continues—it’s senseless, needless, and deeply troubling.

“I know this shooting has shaken many people in our community. The safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority. We cannot accept continued violence as a way of life in our country. Until we address the availability and ease of access to firearms, we will always be fighting an uphill battle. As Mayor, I will continue to fight to protect our communities and urge others to advocate for stronger laws that keep guns out of the hands of violent individuals.”

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw: “We’re absolutely devastated, devastated by this incident. We mourn the lives lost, and the dozens and dozens of lives affected by this tragedy, not just here in the city. But obviously this is getting national attention.”

“These incidents have an exponential effect on our community. And it not only impacts the individual that’s been directly victimized, but it victimizes their loved ones, their families and their neighbors.

“It’s beyond unacceptable. We’re still using every resource available to get to the bottom of what occurred, not just out there last night, but behind this gun violence in the city, period.”

District Attorney Larry Krasner: “The terrible crimes last night on South Street tell our Pennsylvania legislators it’s time for real action. Boycott NRA lobbyists, boycott NRA donations, and bring real common sense gun regulation to Pennsylvania. Now.”

Gov. Tom Wolf: “My thoughts are with those injured and the loved ones left mourning. Legislators: Enough gun violence. Enough deaths. Let’s act.”

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro: “Heartbroken for Philadelphia. People should not have to walk the streets of this city or anywhere in our Commonwealth afraid of losing their lives to gun violence. We need to step up with more law enforcement and better laws.”

South Street Headhouse District: “The South Street Headhouse District is devastated by the violence that has been happening in our city and in our district last night.

Several people lost their lives and many were injured. This is not okay. This is heartbreaking, senseless, and does not reflect the community of businesses, residents, and visitors that walk our streets every day.”

City Council President Darrell Clarke: “The incident on South Street last night marks the 9th mass shooting in Philadelphia this year – and it’s only June 5th. As of last night, the city’s homicide total stood at 211, slightly below last year’s pace, but still far too many.

Before Uvalde, before Buffalo, mass shootings were happening with heart-breaking regularity in Philadelphia.”

Councilmember Isaiah Thomas: “We cannot accept gun violence on any scale as normal. #EnoughIsEnough. So many of us have great South Street memories. I used to walk with friends in that area, I know it well. Sending strength to all affected, please reach out if you need support.”

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier: “The mass shooting on South Street last night was horrifying. I join the community in mourning for the victims and their families. That this tragedy happened on one of Philly’s busiest streets with a round-the-clock police presence proves this can occur anywhere, at any time.

“Working class communities of color live through events like these on a far too routine basis, and now the violence is spilling into every corner of our city.”

Amistad Law Project: “The stakes are too high to get it wrong. If we could police our way out of this crisis a mass shooting would not occur in one of the most heavily policed corridors in Philly. We must grow and fund countless community and city initiatives aimed at reducing violence in society.”