PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Communities across Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley spent Tuesday night with police officers during the annual National Night Out.
But this year, it has taken on extra meaning in the city during the current gun crisis.
“It's a tough time in society. It really is. It’s hard," said Philadelphia Police 39th District Captain Anthony Ginaldi at the start of the event at North Broad and West Venango streets near Temple University Hospital.
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Ginaldi shared heavy emotions Tuesday.
“I get a little choked up about it because we live, breathe, eat, sleep and you-know-what our communities. We really do, and then we suffer," he said.
"I’m tired of suffering, I really am.”
After that, music was turned up and dancing started.
This particular night out event was outside a church, so the sound of faith blared across loudspeakers.
“It’s pretty awesome showing that we can unify," Destiny Hill said with her sons nearby.
“They need to see positive things going on in the community.”
Mayor Kenney showed up toward the end of the even to tell the crowd the city is working to curb all this gun violence, before shaking hands and chatting with citizens who enjoyed the evening.
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