PHILADELPHIA, PA – Senator Sharif Street, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, and Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal came together to caution against celebratory gunfire as communities prepare to celebrate on New Year’s Eve.
Philadelphia Gun violence fatalities surpassed 400 in 2023, 20% down from 2022 – which included injuries to two Philadelphia-area law enforcement officers by celebratory gunfire during 4th of July celebrations.
“It is good to report some measure of progress as we work to keep communities safe,” said Senator Street, who secured record funding for Violence Intervention and Prevention Grants in 2022, “Gun violence is slightly down, but personal safety and responsibility continues to be a part of that. Avoiding needless death and injury through celebratory gunfire is a positive way to end 2023. It will be a senseless death for someone to possibly kill someone they love because they shot a gun the air.”
“Every year we are cautioning families to be safe during the New Year. This year is no different – keep your guns locked up and have a safe holiday” said Sheriff Rochelle Bilal. “It’s not the norm, we want you to celebrate, we want you to enjoy New Years, but what we don’t want is you to shoot a gun, you don’t know where those bullets will come down. It’s not safe.”
Please think of your family and friends, it is not safe to shot firearms carelessly and it is important to note, that not only can you hurt someone you love if the bullet strays, you also risk going to jail, just for shooting your gun. So, leave the guns alone tonight, practice safety and celebrate with works and enjoy your New Year!
