PHILADELPHIA, PA – Democrat Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney delivered comments to the press outside of a hospital ER following the shooting of two police officers which have attracted criticism, as the mayor claimed he’ll “be happy” once he can retire and leave the mayor’s office.

A 4th of July celebration in Philadelphia when gunfire broke out, reportedly injuring two police officers working at the site of the celebratory event.

A suspect in the shooting has yet to be identified, but authorities say the incident occurred at approximately 9:45 p.m. within the 2500 block of Spring Garden while a fireworks display was in full swing.

One of the injured officers was identified as 36-year-old Philadelphia Police Officer Sergio Diggs, who reportedly suffered a graze wound to the head.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw remarked on how lucky the officer was, saying, “It is miraculous that the round stopped in his hat. It initially, I think, went up the inside, hit his forehead, and then the round stopped in his hat.”

The second injured officer was identified as 44-year-old Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy John Foster, who’d reportedly suffered a graze wound to his right shoulder.

Both officers were transported over to Jefferson University Hospital where they received treatment and were both released on the morning of July 5th.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement regarding the incident, noting, “While we are thankful that Deputy Foster and the injured Philadelphia officer are OK, we are troubled by the violence that turned what should have been a celebration into a near tragedy.”

Officials have yet to determine whether the shooting of the two officers was intentional, with both officers stating they didn’t hear the actual originating gunshots go off.

While the likes of the Philadelphia Police Commissioner and the MCSO expressed sentiments filled with both relief and also concern for what transpired, Philadelphia Mayor Kenney expressed a different sentiment regarding the matter – essentially saying that he can wait to no longer be mayor.

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The comments were shared while Mayor Kenney was speaking to the press outside of the hospital where the two injured officers were being treated.

“I’m concerned every single day. There’s not an event or a day where I don’t lay on my back at night look at the ceiling and worry about stuff. So everything we have had in the city over the last seven years, I worry about. I don’t enjoy the 4th of July. I didn’t enjoy the Democratic National Convention. I didn’t enjoy the NFL Draft. I’m waiting for something bad to happen all the time. I’ll be happy when I’m not here, when I’m not mayor and I can enjoy some stuff.”

The news correspondent was seemingly taken aback by what the mayor had just said, asking, “You’re looking forward to not being mayor?”

Somewhat shrugging before transitioning to an agreeing nod at the clarifying question, Mayor Kenney said, “Yeah,” with a smile and then chuckling at the question.”

This piece was written by Gregory Hoyt on July 5, 2022. It originally appeared in RedVoiceMedia.com and is used by permission.

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