PHILADELPHIA — Today, Councilmember Jamie R. Gauthier (3rd District) released the following statement in response to a shooting near Heston Elementary School in West Philadelphia:
“I was horrified to hear about the shooting near Heston Elementary in West Philadelphia this afternoon. I wish the victim a quick and easy recovery and thank law enforcement and the school’s staff for their swift response.
“Four days ago, a 14-year-old boy was tragically killed a 3-minute drive from Heston. The community around this school experiences a disproportionate amount of gun violence, and they deserve a disproportionate amount of gun violence prevention and intervention resources.
“For years, I’ve said that we need to declare a gun violence emergency and implement a response that matches the severity of this crisis. This means convening every city agency and elected official daily to discuss and implement solutions, making sure community resources like recreation centers are open 7 days a week and in full working order, and swiftly implementing place-based interventions proven to reduce crime like cleaning and greening. We also need to divert responsibility over matters like abandoned vehicles away from PPD, so they can devote the bulk of their attention to addressing gun violence.
“To my constituents, know that I am here for you and that your safety is my number one priority. I won’t stop fighting for the resources we need to whether this crisis. Please call my office at 215-686-0460 if there is anything we can do to support you.”
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