A shocking mass shooting incident at the Olney Transportation Center in Philadelphia, PA, has left the local community reeling and further highlighted the city’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. On February 17th, eight people were shot near the busy transportation hub, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood and prompting renewed calls for action from city leaders.
Phil, a 30-year resident of the area who declined to give his last name, expressed the community’s collective unease. He recalled the bustling atmosphere of the Olney Transportation Center before the pandemic, noting its proximity to Girls High School. “This is a huge shock,” he stated, reflecting the pervasive sense of insecurity. “I don’t feel safe anywhere … You get locked in a groove, you go from point A to point B and you’re ok, but this comes up and it rattles the nerves a little bit.” Phil also speculated on the potential role of the pandemic in exacerbating the conditions leading to such violence.
Philadelphia Olney Transportation Center shooting aftermath with police investigating.
The shooting at Olney Transportation Center resulted in six victims being treated at Albert Einstein Medical Center, while the remaining two were transported to Temple University Hospital. Philadelphia police responded swiftly to the scene, recovering two firearms and apprehending two suspects. Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw emphasized the urgent need for community collaboration to address the rising tide of violence, stating, “This is happening far too often. It’s happening in broad daylight. We need everyone to come together to solve these cases.”
Mayor Jim Kenney, after initially declining immediate comment, released a statement expressing his dismay and resolve. “I refuse to accept this emergency situation as normal,” Kenney asserted. “People have the right to travel between work and home, and around town, without the fear of being shot, and possibly killed, by reckless, indiscriminate gunfire.”
Philadelphia Police Crime Scene Unit at Olney Transportation Center shooting investigation.
The grim reality is that Philadelphia is experiencing a significant surge in gun violence. Statistics reveal a disturbing 48% increase in murders compared to the same period in 2020, which was already considered the deadliest year in three decades. Nearly 200 people had been shot in Philadelphia year-to-date as of Sunday, a stark contrast to 121 in the previous year.
City Councilmember Jaime Gauthier, a vocal advocate for proactive gun violence prevention, lamented the Olney Transportation Center shooting as another painful example of gun violence tearing apart the city. She urged the Kenney administration to adopt a more urgent, comprehensive, and transparent approach to this public health crisis. Echoing this sentiment, Councilmember Isaiah Thomas expressed his frustration, tweeting, “We need to do more to keep our communities safe. It isn’t enough to discuss #GunViolence after a shooting. We need to have a serious strategy around intervention and prevention. #EnoughIsEnough.”
Looking ahead, the Kenney administration is expected to release an updated version of the Philadelphia Roadmap to Safer Communities in March, a strategic plan aimed at tackling the city’s persistent gun violence issue. Mayor Kenney also indicated a commitment to increased transparency and accountability, suggesting potential regular public briefings on the city’s gun violence reduction efforts in the coming weeks. This comes after anti-violence activist Jamal Johnson’s hunger strike, which successfully pressured Mayor Kenney to address gun violence more actively. Johnson reiterated the urgency of the situation on Wednesday evening, tweeting, “Our city is crying out for more attention on Gun Violence! Mr Mayor, please act immediately!”
The mass shooting at Olney Transportation Center serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive gun violence crisis in Philadelphia. While city officials pledge action and community members grapple with fear and shock, the need for effective and immediate solutions remains paramount to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents navigating public spaces like the Olney Transportation Center and beyond.
For those impacted by gun violence in Philadelphia, resources are available at https://resolvephilly.org/gun-violence-resource/.
