PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Neighbors from the Harrowgate community of Northeast Philadelphia, along with councilmembers and Philadelphia police, came out in support of a local activist who was recently the target of an alleged arson attempt.
"I think the message here today is how outraged everyone is here in Philadelphia when there's a targeted attack on a community leader," said Councilmember Mark Squilla. He was one of many officials, neighbors and friends who stood in solidarity with Sonja Bingham.
She is a block captain along Jasper Street and a member of the Harrowgate Civic Association who is known for her community activism. She has led the fight against drugs, orgainzed street cleanups and led efforts to help the city resolve the decades-long housing and overdose crises in nearby Kensington.
Suspects targeted her house this past summer. Authorities say they threw a homemade Molotov cocktail into her home, almost setting her home on fire. No one was hurt.
"I’m here because Sonja Bingham is a good friend of mine and if you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us," Darlene, a fellow community member, said.
"I’m tired of it, tired of the lawlessness," Timothy, another friend, added.
"No community member that is fighting this hard deserves to experience what she experienced," G. Lamar Stewart added.
"All form of government are on the same page with this, from the mayor's office to the managing director’s office to the District Attorney’s office and police department, that this wont be tolerated, and that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Squilla.
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"It’s overwhelming to see everyone come here because they attacked one of their own," said Bingham.
Bingham explained that the arson attempt was an effort to stop her from continuing her work in the community.
She said she won't stop, and she’s more determined now than ever.
"We are the greater sum of me, and when you mess with one of us, you’re going to suffer the wrath of all of us," said Bingham.
"We just want a clean community, clean and safe, and we’re not going to stop."