Mummers Parade security heightened as residents turn out for tradition
CENTER CITY - As thousands descended into Center City for the 124th annual Mummers Parade, safety was top of mind in the city.
Philadelphia police had a visible presence across the city, including officers on foot and on bikes. City sanitation trucks blocked off several roads in a perimeter around the parade route. It's a protocol in place for big events in the city, meant to help prevent tragedies like what happened in New Orleans Wednesday morning.
"Coming on the heels of what happened in New Orleans, we’re in a much-heightened alert status today as well," says Commissioner Kevin Bethel. "It's all hands-on deck. You don’t pull off these events without every part of city government engaged, and then we rely on our federal partners to be able to provide information from an intelligence perspective should there be something that could be a potential threat."
New Orleans Timeline
Police said the driver sped through a crowd along Bourbon Street around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday as revelers had gathered to celebrate the start of the New Year.
Ten people were killed and more than 30 others were injured and taken to five local hospitals. Two police officers were also wounded in a shootout with the suspect.
On X Wednesday morning, Philadelphia police wrote that they are closely monitoring areas throughout the city following the tragedy in New Orleans.
"Our thoughts go out to all those impacted by this unthinkable act," the post said.
Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed a similar sentiment while attending the parade on Wednesday afternoon.
New Orleans live updates: Driver plows into Bourbon Street crowd, killing 10
At least 10 people were killed and over 30 hurt after a pickup truck plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street. Two officers were shot in the incident, and the suspect is dead. Here's what we know.
"We are doing everything that we possibly can to ensure that Philadelphia is safe, and particularly when it comes to large-scale events like this, but we will not allow anyone to paralyze us into not being able to enjoy our city," she explained.
The weather, history, and tradition of the annual event still brought in many visitors who said nothing could keep them away from celebrating this year.
"We’re here every year. We really enjoy it. It's a lovely day, a lot of energy. Everybody’s having a great time," says Rob Ceribelli, of West Chester.
Nancy Davis, her sister, daughter, and grandchildren, came equipped with layers and snacks to endure a full day on Broad Street.
"Our whole family has been coming for a long time. Not only coming, but coming right to this spot, and this is our spot every year," says Davis. "My mom was raised and born in Kensington and came to the parades all the time with her father. It’s just part of that history."
As the festivities continue into the night, police are asking if you see something suspicious, to flag a nearby officer or call 911.
___
Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or text a tip to 215-686-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online, here. All tips are confidential.