COUNCIL PRESIDENT CLARKE’S STATEMENT ON SHOOTING OF POLICE OFFICER JESSE HARTNETT

In Council News, Darrell L. Clarke by admin

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Philadelphia, Jan. 8, 2016 – City Council President Darrell L. Clarke on Friday issued the following statement on the ambush shooting of Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnett:

“I am grateful that Officer Hartnett survived this horrible attack, and wish him and his loved ones well as he recovers from his wounds. I also send my unending gratitude to the entire Philadelphia Police Department, whose officers put their lives at risk every day in service to the public.

“The attack on Officer Hartnett comes during a time of intensified discussion, led by President Obama, about the scourge of gun violence in communities across America. The President’s executive actions this week were necessary in the face of a Congress too deeply enthralled by the National Rifle Association’s money to legislate commonsense regulations to keep Americans safe.

“The use of a stolen police weapon against Officer Hartnett underscores the need for smart gun technology, an advancement that could prevent people who have no business using guns from actually being able to use guns. Despite predictable and weak objections from industry lobbyists, leaders at all levels of government should continue pushing firearms manufacturers to make new safety technologies available.

“Last summer, cities including Philadelphia won a victory for public safety when the Commonwealth Court struck down a lobbyist-written law that would have allowed outside groups such as the NRA to sue municipalities over commonsense gun regulations. Americans are waking up to the fact that constitutional law debates are a deliberate distraction by a billion-dollar death industry aided and abetted by bought-and-paid-for lawmakers. I will continue to work with leaders across the Commonwealth to protect the communities we serve against preventable and senseless gun violence.”

Photo: Philadelphia Police Department

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