Statement from U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah

U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah Released the Following Statement After the Murder Rate in Philadelphia Reached 400 People in 2006

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah released the following statement after the murder rate in Philadelphia reached 400 people in 2006:

"I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the 400 people who were murdered in Philadelphia this year. In 1990, Philadelphia experienced a similarly catastrophic year, when the murder rate reached 500. Those were difficult times, but we overcame them, and as a city, we will overcome them again. During this holiday season -- a time of hope and rebirth -- Philadelphians should know that our future will be bright, our streets will be safe, and our city will be reborn. We will solve the crisis of illegal guns flooding our neighborhoods, we will stop the cycle of violence that is taking young lives, and we will provide Philadelphians with the resources they need to reject violence, embrace opportunity, and rebuild their lives and families.

"Philadelphia is determined to hold those responsible for this violence accountable for their actions. And I continue to support the Philadelphians on the front lines in the fight against violence -- from the police department to grassroots organizations like Men United, Mothers In Charge and town watch groups. Violence is not an issue to be politicized. It is a problem to be solved. Together, we can end the cycle of violence, and make Philadelphia a city of real opportunity, shared responsibility, and limitless promise for all of us."

Source: Fattah for Mayor

CONTACT: Solomon Jones of Fattah for Mayor, +1-215-370-5681, or
sjones@phillyforfattah.com