PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — State lawmakers joined the Philadelphia district attorney, police and community groups at Broad Street and Olney Avenue Friday — the site of last week's mass shooting.
Eight people were shot outside the Olney Transportation Center in broad daylight on Feb. 17. Leaders say stopping gun violence has been a losing battle.
"Our police officers bravely take hundreds of guns off the streets every month, and they are instantaneously replaced," said Mayor Jim Kenney.
He said guns are flowing into Philadelphia neighborhoods through straw purchasers, but city lawmakers have little recourse because of state preemption laws.
"We know there are legal loopholes that allow these guns to be on our streets," added Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw. "Unless something is done to cut off the supply chain, we will continue to chase our tail time and time again."
Police are using all tools available to get guns off the streets, including gun buyback programs. Pennsylvania Democrats are trying to pass bills calling for gun licenses and the mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms, but they have fallen on deaf GOP ears.
"We need action," said state Sen. Sharif Street. "I implore my colleagues in Harrisburg to pass responsible gun laws."
