Officials hold meeting on terrorism after ambush shooting
SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- There is a heightened sense of alarm, if not concern, in the wake of the recent attack on Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnett.
Locals tell Action News there is a deep sense that if someone is willing to commit an act like the ambush shooting of Officer Hartnett, it can certainly happen to one of them.
"Tonight is about terrorism, unfortunately," said Sen. Tony Williams (D-Pa.).
The meeting on terrorism Thursday night in Southwest Philadelphia was perhaps a first for Williams and other officials.
Still, as evidenced by the standing-room only crowd of more than 300, it is certainly a subject that's struck a nerve.
The shocking video of the attack of Officer Hartnett was still on the minds of many at the meeting who are also mindful of Hartnett's courage in the line of fire.
"We thank him, we appreciate him and, most importantly, our love for him and his family should be extended by that so let us give him a round of applause," said Sen. Williams.
The attacks shed light on the rear and growing fear of violence in neighborhoods across the city.
A number of Muslims in the audience said they are generally concerned about how they may be viewed in the wake of the attack.
And yet others reminded them of the city's track record respecting people of different faiths.
Of course, one meeting does not begin to solve what is seen as a very real and dangerous problem, but many say they wanted their voices to be heard.
