PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The number of homicide victims has dramatically risen in Philadelphia, as the city reached 130 murder victims since the start of 2021. Meanwhile, the number of shooting victims has surpassed 500.
A 15-year-old boy was among the latest victims, the 16th juvenile to be shot and killed so far this year. He was gunned down near 26th and Somerset streets on Wednesday, shot in the chest and thigh. The teen was one of seven people shot and killed since Monday evening.
The city's murder rate has risen 33% compared to the same time in 2020.
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Philadelphia's current murder total for 2021 has far surpassed New York City, which has less than 100 homicides. New York's population is five-and-a-half times the size of Philadelphia.
Chicago has about 1 million more people than Philadelphia, but about 20 more homicides this year.
The Philadelphia police commissioner, the FBI, ATF and acting U.S. attorney have scheduled a news conference Thursday about gun violence, along with a new federal initiative.
When asked about the rise in murders, Mayor Jim Kenney said he plans to unveil his revised Philadelphia Roadmap to Safer Communities plan at next week’s press conference on gun violence.