In Friday’s press briefing, Mayor Jim Kenney and city officials discussed the ongoing
demonstrations in the City of Philadelphia. Kenney and other officials wore orange to show support for National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and encouraged others to do the same and post pictures of themselves wearing orange with the hashtag #wearorange.
“To our black communities here at home and across the country, we hear you, we are listening to you, and we feel the pain you share with us. We recognize a long history of institutional racism that has brought us to this moment. It is the reason peaceful protestors take to the street, and we stand with them one hundred percent,” Mayor Kenney said.
Mayor Kenney highlighted victims of gun violence in recent years, including Breonna Taylor whose 27th birthday would have been Friday. He discussed the city’s removal of the Frank Rizzo statue and how the City recognizes its continued need to work toward hearing the voices of protestors.
Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw emphasized the need for unity in difficult times, and addressed videos of police violence circulating on social media. She stated that these videos have prompted her to initiate internal affairs investigations within the police department.
Police Commissioner Outlaw also discussed the protests in Center City, North Broad Street and Fishtown on June 4th, which she reported were mostly peaceful.
There have been 759 total arrests since the beginning of demonstrations, with 492 of those being code violations for curfew and failure to disperse, 15 for assault on police, 4 for firearms violations, 13 for theft, and 231 for looting or burglary. 27 police officers have been injured since Saturday, with 1 remaining hospitalized.
Friday, curfew hours will begin at 8 p.m. Only those engaging in essential duties will be permitted outside.
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