PHILADELPHIA PA, September 18, 2007 – Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) issued the following statement today in support of health care professionals and other concerned Philadelphians as they rallied to combat violence in Philadelphia and to form the Coalition for Safer Streets:

“Violence – especially gun violence -- has been spiraling out of control in Philadelphia, with about 300 homicide victims this year plus many more wounded by gunfire. Our streets are awash with firearms, a huge number of them illegally owned or purchased.

“I have been a strong advocate for building a gun-safe Philadelphia and for enacting tough gun-control laws. Our ‘Groceries for Guns’ program this year has removed over 1,000 guns and other firearms from homes in our community in exchange for grocery certificates. In Congress, I have partnered with my colleagues and the nation’s mayors as we seek to provide law enforcement with the tools needed to track and prosecute illegal gun traffickers.

“We must all enlist in this war for a gun-safe Philadelphia– law enforcement, public officials, legislators, community organizations like CeaseFire PA, and most of all, our active and concerned citizens.

“I applaud the efforts today by health care workers and their allies to form the Coalition for Safer Streets and to declare gun violence for what it is: A Public Health Crisis. This campaign provides a sharp new perspective to a battle we all must join.”