'Moment of frustration': Mayor Kenney responds to own comment about being 'happy' to leave office

PHILADELPHIA - Jim Kenney is walking back his comments about no longer wanting to be mayor after two officers were shot during Philadelphia's Fourth of July fireworks Monday night.

Following a night of chaos and terror that left families running for safety, Kenney addressed the city in a deeply criticized "moment of frustration."

Kenney described the Fourth of July event as "beautiful," until "some nitwit either shooting from a window or shooting from somewhere who has a gun and probably shouldn't have had it."

Minutes later, the mayor expressed that he rarely enjoys large events because of the possibility for gun violence. 

"I don't enjoy the Fourth of July, I don't enjoy the Democratic National Convention, I didn't enjoy the NFL Draft. I'm waiting for something bad to happen all the time," Kenney said. "I'll be happy when I'm not here - when I'm not mayor and I can enjoy some stuff." 

When asked by FOX 29's Chris O'Connell if he was looking forward to no longer being Philadelphia's mayor, Kenney responded, "Yeah." 

Kenney released a statement Wednesday after his controversial comments came under fire from fellow lawmakers and Philadelphia locals.

"I’d also like to clarify some of the comments I made at the press briefing last night at Jefferson Hospital. In a late-night, overwhelming moment of frustration, I said I was looking forward to no longer being mayor. Let me be clear, I’m incredibly grateful to be mayor of this great city and for the people who elected me to lead," he said.

He went on to say he was "disappointed" in his reaction to the shooting, and stated he "loves this city."

"I care deeply about the safety of our residents and the future of our city, and that’s why I’m disappointed with how I conveyed my sentiments last night. I made Philadelphians feel like I don’t care, and that cannot be further from the truth. I’ve said it many times before, I lay awake at night thinking about the challenges facing the residents in our city and what more we can be doing or doing differently to solve them. Being mayor comes with a lot of restless nights, so I am looking forward to a good night’s sleep.

"Our residents deserve to feel safe in their city, and our traditions cannot and will not be ruined by the scourge of gun violence. I love this city, and as Mayor there’s nothing more I want than to help solve this problem and keep our residents and visitors safe."

Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cherelle Parker reacted with anger and her own frustration after hearing Mayor Kenney's comments.

"I think the mayor’s comments were asinine," Parker said. "I didn’t tweet about it, post it, I picked up the telephone and called him, and I told him that if you can feel this way imagine how Philadelphians who don’t have the ability to check out feel on a daily basis."

Kenney now faces several calls to resign, however the mayor reportedly told City Council President Darrell L. Clarke that he "wasn't going anywhere."

Philadelphia Mayor Kenney's full statement:

"Last night’s shooting was a truly horrific moment for our city. I’m deeply grateful that the two injured officers were not gravely injured and have been treated and released from the hospital. I’m praying for a full and speedy recovery for both of them.

"I’d like to thank the Philadelphia Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management, and our other public safety partners for their rapid response to ensure the safety of all the event’s guests. They were able to evacuate and clear the Parkway quickly and ensure that everyone got home safely. 

"This is a deeply traumatizing incident for our city. No one wants to feel unsafe when they are out in public attending a celebratory event. I was down on the Parkway, as I am every year, and witnessed families enjoying what was supposed to be a great family event. Those responsible for last night’s incident should be very ashamed of their actions. 

"Unfortunately, as we’ve seen across the nation and right here in Philadelphia, gun violence is all too prevalent in our communities, and the common thread through so much of this violence is the proliferation of guns. Our administration along with our public safety partners will continue to do everything we can to combat our city’s rising gun violence–including taking a record number of guns off the streets–but we are fighting an uphill battle, and we are pleading with lawmakers to help us stop the flow of guns into our city.

"I’d also like to clarify some of the comments I made at the press briefing last night at Jefferson Hospital. In a late-night, overwhelming moment of frustration, I said I was looking forward to no longer being mayor. Let me be clear, I’m incredibly grateful to be mayor of this great city and for the people who elected me to lead. 

"Cities and city leaders across the country have felt the impacts of the pandemic and the escalating gun violence epidemic for years now. There has been so much tragedy in this country of late, and many of us are dealing with the trauma and our feelings of frustration, anger, and deep sadness about the issues plaguing our society. I ran for Mayor with the goal of helping every Philadelphian reach their potential. As mayor, I feel personally responsible for the well-being of every Philadelphian, and it’s a weight I carry with me every day—every waking moment. And I know that far too many residents worry daily about their safety and their loved ones too.

"I care deeply about the safety of our residents and the future of our city, and that’s why I’m disappointed with how I conveyed my sentiments last night. I made Philadelphians feel like I don’t care, and that cannot be further from the truth. I’ve said it many times before, I lay awake at night thinking about the challenges facing the residents in our city and what more we can be doing or doing differently to solve them. Being mayor comes with a lot of restless nights, so I am looking forward to a good night’s sleep.

"Our residents deserve to feel safe in their city, and our traditions cannot and will not be ruined by the scourge of gun violence. I love this city, and as Mayor there’s nothing more I want than to help solve this problem and keep our residents and visitors safe."