According to reports, Philadelphia has the second-highest number of homicides in the country this year, trailing only Chicago for the ominous title of "Murder Capital." A surge in violent crime has swept the United States since the COVID-19 pandemic and Philly saw its homicide numbers increase by 32% for a tally of 247. Shootings are up by 36% in Philadelphia and an average of three children per week have been shot this year.
City officials met on Tuesday for a hearing on gun violence and how to mitigate its rise. CNN reports council members listed the top issues involving gun violence include: "existing rivalries between gangs and groups; competition for territory to sell drugs; "Beefs" between individuals; and a rise in the likelihood for individuals to carry firearms."
Source: cnn.com
