PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and a panel of activists and elected officials led a frank conversation with people affected by gun violence Thursday night at Congregation Rodeph Shalom on North Broad Street.
Members of the public voiced their rising concerns about the city’s gun violence crisis and the impact it has on families and survivors, like Oronde McClain. The meeting started with a viewing of his documentary, called “They Don’t Care About Us.”
McClain was shot in the head when he was 10 years old and had to re-learn how to walk and talk. His film shares what life is like for gun violence and domestic assault survivors after the incidents.
“Not a lot of things out here for survivors or victims,” he said. “Before you get to the survivor part and you’re a victim, there’s no programs for us.”
Last year ended in a record number of homicides. In 2023, Philadelphia has recorded at least 25 homicides so far — nearly one every day. That’s still a significantly better start to the year — a 36% drop — compared to the start of 2022.
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The panel acknowledged that there’s no single way to solve the crisis, but there are ways for everyone to work together to make significant strides.
They stressed the need to look at the connection between mental health and gun usage and also teach conflict resolution early on. Commissioner Outlaw said the city is offering more services and police are making more arrests.
“Finding ways to reduce crime, finding ways to enhance community trust, finding ways to sustain ways that we know work — this will only work if we have community input,” she said.
Attendee Lynette Ellis believes there is hope.
“There is healing from the trauma of gun violence. It’s a process,” said Ellis, whose cousin was gunned down last year.
She agreed that there is strength in community. “People are more aware and willing to reach out to their neighbor and connect, be a part of the bigger picture.”
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