"We want the mayor to call a state of emergency because in our community, our zip codes, there's a state of urgency," said Paula Peebles, chair of the National Action Newtown Philadelphia Chapter.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has unwaveringly said he will not declare a state of emergency, believing it won't change anything.
"My heart breaks for them, and we're working hard every day to ensure other families won't go through this," Kenney said during a Zoom press briefing Wednesday.
RELATED: Mayor Jim Kenney addresses critics, gun violence response during National Night Out event
In the single hour that residents rallied around City Hall, gunfire continued to erupt across the city.
A 45-year-old was shot in the stomach at the West Park Apartments in West Philadelphia.
In Kensington, a 60-year-old male was left critically injured on the 1800 block of East Lehigh Avenue.
Residents fear if a declaration isn't made, things will get worse.
The City of Philadelphia currently stands at 322 homicides.
RELATED: Philadelphia police commissioner, community leaders discuss gun violence ahead of National Night Out