Dec 16, 2024 - News

Philadelphia police boost security in Center City after violent weekend

Mike D'Onofrio

Photo illustration of a Philadelphia police cruiser with lines radiating from it. — Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Police are bolstering security after a rash of shootings this weekend, including at the busy Christmas Village and ice rink at Dilworth Park.

Driving the news: Police commissioner Kevin Bethel said during a Monday news conference that the department will adjust and increase deployments around the holiday market and Center City going forward.

What they're saying: Local leaders are reassuring Philadelphians that they're safe downtown.

"Center City is one of the safest areas in the city," Bethel said.
Center City District CEO and president Prema Katari Gupta, who called Friday's shooting an isolated incident, added that Dilworth Park has more than 30 security cameras.

Catch up quick: Last Friday, gunfire broke out among teens near the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and vendor booths around 4:30pm, per Fox29.

Two 14-year-olds and a 15-year-old were injured.
A 14-year-old was taken into custody, per the outlet.

By the numbers: 24 people were shot in 11 separate incidents this weekend, per the latest police data.

Four people were killed.

The big picture: Overall, Philly's homicide rate has seen a steep decline this year, with killings down nearly 39% compared to the same time in 2023, per the latest police data.

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Philadelphia police boost security in Center City after violent weekend

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