PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia city leaders have said they are frustrated and saddened by the total number of homicides which was at 406 early Monday evening, the highest-ever total at this point in the year.
A new FBI report shows that homicides went up across the country in 2020, with cities like New York and Boston trending down this year.
But in Philadelphia, there are 20% more victims than last year, when there were 25% more victims than 2019.
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14 people were killed by a gun in the last week, while more than two dozen others were shot. There were two separate triple shootings and one double shooting among them.
Mayor Jim Kenney continued Monday to point at too many guns on the street.
"You have to report your gun stolen. You can’t do straw purchases," said Kenney.
"All those things are frustrating obstacles we need to overcome, because we are not getting any help from any other government."
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Kenney is pushing for community groups to continue to apply for available anti-violence grants programs.
"We will continue at it," said Kenney.
"We will continue making investments in our young people to get them to understand they need to talk to each other and not just hurt each other."
"I am outraged by [the violence]," added District Attorney Larry Krasner.
"Our executive team is outraged by this. Our staff is outraged, and we are all looking for partners, for collaborators for answers in community and in government."
Krasner and Kenney said they have recently spoken about the crisis.
"Certainly a good thing, one [conversation] in person, one by telephone," said Krasner.
"I am looking to what I have wanted for a very long time, which is better and closer collaboration with the mayor as well."
Krasner did not get into what they spoke about.
Last week, Councilman Allan Domb called for a meeting with the police commissioner, district attorney, officials from the state attorney general and federal investigators.
A source said another meeting is planned in a few weeks.
On Wednesday, the mayor and police commissioner will hold his bi-weekly gun violence press conference where they are expected to announce additional anti-violence grants.
Photo: NBC10