Councilman Kenyatta Johnson releases statement on 20th & Wharton Street Fire
Philadelphia, May 2, 2017 – “I am alarmed and extremely disturbed to hear the 20th & Wharton Street fire that took place in the early hours of Monday, May 1st has been ruled arson. Vandalism of businesses and homes is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. Justice should be swift and severe for the many lives that were put in danger in the Point Breeze neighborhood. This criminal activity damaged multiple properties, recklessly endangered the lives of emergency personnel, and could have sent an entire neighborhood block up in flames. We are lucky no one was killed or seriously injured and I commend the Philadelphia Fire Department for their swift actions to contain the fire and minimize damage. The perpetrator(s) must be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Anyone with information, I urge you to do the right thing and call the ATF 24/7 Hotline at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473), email: [email protected] or submit a tip anonymously by using the ReportIt App on your phone.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced Tuesday a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Councilman Johnson will increase that reward amount by $2,500 as a stand in solidarity with the community against the arson.
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