Safety a top priority ahead of busy weekend in Philadelphia

“The truth that gun violence is so excessive proper now it is a full mess. It is scary, it truly is,” mentioned Evan Williams of Queen Village.

After three individuals had been killed and 11 others shot in final weekend’s taking pictures on South Avenue, enterprise homeowners are nonetheless on edge in regards to the potential for big crowds.

“On Saturday, I hear the photographs and other people operating. Certainly one of my home windows received shot at as a result of one misplaced bullet,” mentioned Fernando Cristobal, proprietor of Mexi-talian Grill on South Avenue.

Philadelphia police say they’re stepping up their efforts on South Avenue with mounted patrol and officers dedicated to working 12 hour shifts all weekend lengthy.

That heavy police presence will probably be wanted with the inflow of tourists coming into the town for the Philadelphia Flower Present, Phillies video games and ODUNDE Competition.

Police will not be the one safety available on the ODUNDE Competition.

“We have now a personal safety agency that is additionally going to be right here, however we have all the time had these protocols in place,” mentioned Osunbumi Fernandez-West, CEO of ODUNDE.
Organizers look to calm worries over security forward of annual ODUNDE Competition

The Middle Metropolis district can also be sending in reinforcements.

“We have now what we name 40 neighborhood service representatives. These are uniformed unarmed people geared up with two-way radios, patrolling on foot beat and instantly linked to the Philadelphia police. On prime of that, we have added 21 bike patrol security employees,” mentioned Paul Levy, president of Middle Metropolis District.

There will probably be further eyes and ears driving round Middle Metropolis seven days per week from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

South Avenue Headhouse District Government Director Mike Harris says he hopes the taking pictures and these security measures will not deter individuals from visiting South Avenue and its 400 plus companies.

“Anybody can come right here. We simply ask when individuals come– they arrive for enjoyment and assist the companies,” mentioned Harris.