Mayor’s Statement on Deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and Dallas Police Officers

PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney has released the following statement on the tragic deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and the Dallas police officers.

“In the hours following the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, and now the deaths of the officers in Dallas, I searched for the right words to express my profound grief. The phrase “my thoughts and prayers” has lost its meaning to me, and I do not know what it’s like to walk in a black man’s or a police officer’s shoes. So, instead, I listened.

“I listened to the story of Alton Sterling. A father.

“I listened to the story of Philando Castile. A mentor.

“I listened to the story of Brent Thompson. A police officer and newlywed.

“In the hours and days to come, we will learn more about the other four Dallas police officers, Brent Thompson, Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. Their stories will break our hearts and enrage our souls, but I ask all Philadelphians not to react in hate, anger or violence, but instead to grieve with the nation by listening to one another.

“I have profound respect for the peaceful protestors who marched in Philadelphia last night to demand change, and I have a profound respect for the Philadelphia police officers who stood ready to protect them and who put their lives on the line for this city every day. The only way to achieve the peace we all seek is to listen and to be willing to hear one another.”