Philadelphia Gun Violence
Chalkbeat's ongoing look at the impact of rising violence on school staff and students
I know what it’s like to feel unsafe in my own neighborhood. Now I’m determined to do something about it.
Nicolas Elizalde was shot and killed near his high school. His mom has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging that the School District of Philadelphia is responsible.
Teachers, parents, and West Philly residents all had a say in the design of the new $62 million Lewis C. Cassidy building.
The Trace analyzed shootings within 500 yards of schools nationwide from 2014 through 2023. Five of the top 10 schools by total number of shootings were in the same Philadelphia neighborhood.
Parker’s plan includes assigning more police to school beats, more closely monitoring shooting threats on social media, and more.
The program, called Handle With Care, involves referrals by police to schools when law enforcement encounters children at traumatic events like domestic violence or sudden deaths.
Northeast High School Principal Omar Crowder said the school has provided additional mental health services and police patrols near the school have increased after a shooting wounded eight students March 6.
More than 3,000 students at Northeast High School are learning remotely this week after a shooting injured 8 students less than a mile from their school.
With $1 million in federal funding, Bartram High School’s approach could become a model for the city’s highest-risk campuses.
Bethel, who promoted changes to juvenile justice, will be the city’s top cop under mayor-elect Cherelle Parker.
Last school year, 199 Philadelphia students were victims of gun violence, and 33 died.
Philadelphia’s school safety chief said getting more students into out-of-school activities can also help keep them out of trouble.
Nearly 200 students were shot during the past school year in Philadelphia. State Attorney Michelle Henry discussed the situation with students and her office’s attempts to help.
Superintendent Tony Watlington says educators must be key partners in addressing the problem.
Watlington said the district will work closely with the police department, and urged parents and others to collaborate.
One football player said ‘we’re out here doing it’ for the slain student, Nicolas Elizalde.
Superintendent Tony Watlington called the incident “absolutely unimaginable.”
The school district is sending its crisis response team to Roxborough High School to support students and staff.
Black teenagers in Philadelphia make up nearly 85% of victims who have died from gun violence since the start of the pandemic.
The district’s top safety official stressed that schools remain “the safest place” for students.