WHEREAS, Gun violence is a public health crisis that impacts individuals and communities nationwide. Gun violence is the leading cause of premature death in the U.S. as it accounts for more than 38,000 deaths and nearly 85,000 injuries each year across the nation; and
WHEREAS, In 2020, the City of Philadelphia recorded its second highest number of homicides in over three decades, 499, a 40% increase from 2019. There were more than 2,200 shooting victims in 2020, a number of which were fatal; and
WHEREAS, Gun violence in Philadelphia continues to surge. As of March 14, 2021, there have been 382 shooting victims. Of those shooting victims, 70 were fatal, which accounts for the majority of the City’s 100 homicides to date, a 32% increase from this time last year; and
WHEREAS, This year’s record-breaking violent trend started right after midnight on New Year’s Day, which ended with a total of six shootings, including three homicides; and
WHEREAS, At least one person has been killed and more than five people have been shot every day since this year started. On February 10, 2021, there was a mass shooting near the Olney Transportation Center on Broad Street, where 8 people were shot; and
WHEREAS, Three teenagers were shot and killed in the span of 24 hours in the second week of March. A 17-year-old boy was fatally shot in the chest near a recreation center in Kensington, a 16-year-old girl was shot and killed near a recreation center in West Philadelphia, and another 17-year-old boy, who was fatally shot in Overbrook Park; and
WHEREAS, While gun violence has a disproportionate and disparate impact on minorities, particularly African American youths, and poverty-stricken communities, it impacts every individual and every community in the City; and
WHEREAS, Gun violence is a citywide emergency that requires citywide effort and support to eradicate. The “Live and Let Live” campaign and theme is a way of supporting the many anti-violence groups working on the street level to reduce shootings in our neighborhoods, and encouraging citizens to promote peace and end gun violence in our communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby supports a “Live and Let Live” Campaign for the City of Philadelphia and encourages stakeholders to continue coordinating, engaging, and promoting activities to help eradicate the culture of gun violence in the City.
End