Cephas condemns shooting outside of Shepard Recreation Center, stands with local leaders to encourage community cooperation

Philadelphia County Delegation    August 19, 2022 | 12:30 PM

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas today released the following statement in the wake of the recent shooting near a playground in West Philadelphia where five individuals were wounded. 

 

“This is a horrifying incident. Nearly 100 shots were fired. It is heart wrenching to know that at the time of this shooting, there were children and families gathered at the center. No child should have to be a witness to such a horrific incident and families should be able to enjoy activities in their communities in peace,” Cephas said.    

 Cephas stood last Wednesday with Philadelphia leaders including District Attorney Larry Krasner, Mayor Jim Kenney, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., other area elected, community members and more to host a press conference at Shepard Recreation Center in response to the shooting that took place Tuesday night.   

 “We can’t live in fear, and we can’t continue to allow our children to live in a culture of violence. I will keep fighting to make sure that we do all we can to put a halt on this gun violence epidemic including allocating resources to communities who need it most,” she added.   

The shooting took place only one day after Cephas co-hosted a public policy hearing on safe and healthy spaces at the Kingsessing Recreation Center, just a few miles away from Shepard. Monday’s discussion included talk about how these spaces can be violence deterrents when they are safe, accessible, and clean.  

Krasner, Outlaw and Kenney announced the apprehension of three offenders in the quintuple shooting that happened around 7 p.m. at the intersection of 57th Street and Westminster Avenue. 

“Accountability is fundamental in the battle against gun violence,” Cephas said. “I applaud the quick action of the authorities for the senseless violence taking place in our community.”