Kensington neighborhood holds rally to remember those lost to violence

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Mayor Jim Kenney created the city's first Office of Violence Prevention on July 18th, but three months later violence still runs rampant in the 'City of Brotherly Love.'

On Monday, the residents of a Kensington neighborhood held a rally in memory of those lost to violence. They began gathering at a city library by mid-afternoon bringing with them their pain.

The small vigil comes nearly a week after two teens were killed. Family members who've lost loved ones lined up their photos on the steps of a Kensington library.

The event was sponsored by community groups battling street violence in an effort to urge residents to speak up about the violence they're witnessing.

When asked to speak about street violence, the Executive Director of Mayor Kenney's new Office of Violence Prevention was unavailable for comment.

In a statement, the mayor's office writes:

"While shootings are down and the average age of shooters is actually increasing, these loses are no less heartbreaking."