About two weeks ago, there was a protest in Center City due to the court’s decision to dismiss all charges against a former police officer, Mark Dial. Dial shot and killed Eddie Irizarry Jr. during a traffic stop. The reaction to the court decision sprung an uproar of protests in the city. However, the protests also brought about riots and looting in different areas of Philadelphia.
The stores on Walnut Street in Rittenhouse were vandalized and looted soon after the protests started. However, according to a New York Times article, many of the looters were not a part of the peaceful protests that were taking place. This is not the first time that Philadelphia has seen this type of vandalization at the expense of the peacefully protesting people. With the violence and vandalization occurring, the people of Philadelphia were scared and confused about what was happening right in their backyard.
The question arises regarding how the city government and the Philadelphia police department handled the situation through a PR lens. Following the night of the looting incidents, the Philadelphia police arrested about 72 people, according to CBS Philadelphia. Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford made a statement to ABC 7 saying that “the bottom line is sending a message that Philadelphia is not going to be the place where you can do this type of behavior.” The presence of police throughout the city also increased. These actions by the Philadelphia police department are steps to try to ease the worries and fears of the people. Some argue that they could have done more to prevent this from happening in the first place. Clearly articulating through writing and speech that this behavior is unacceptable while also putting their words into action. The city of Philadelphia has made numerous statements about the safety of its citizens and the repercussions associated with violence and vandalization. Still, situations similar to this are continuing to happen within the city. So, the question arises of what can be done from a public relations perspective.
Council member and Mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker made a statement the night following the looting condemning those who chose to partake: “I don’t want us to equate the ability to peacefully assemble and protest anything that you desire to do so ― that should never be questioned — but those who sought to use this as an opportunity to commit crimes in our city, they should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” In her video, she stresses that “people in every neighborhood deserve to feel safe.” The statement she made to the Philadelphia Inquirer directly addressed the issues and the repercussions that should be enacted for people who choose to partake in this type of behavior.
Overall, the tragic loss of Eddie Irizarry Jr. and the people affected by the looting that occurred on Tuesday, September 26, should not be overlooked. Multiple steps should be taken to address the increase in crime within Philadelphia that will prove to be successful. Citizens of this city are scared, and they need guidance and structure. Using words and actions will help ease the stress of the people of Philadelphia and hopefully decrease the crime within the city.
By Jaelyn Jennings, Account Associate
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