PHILADELPHIA — In advance of the anticipated verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, accused of the murder of George Floyd, City officials released the following resources and updates to preparations underway:

“Our city is prepared for whatever the jury decides. We are ready to support our communities and all who want to make their voices heard peacefully. As we await and pray for justice, our thoughts are with the Floyd family, and the families of all Black and Brown Americans killed through police violence,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “The jury’s decision will be a defining moment in our country’s history, but it’s up to all of us to decide what comes next. We decide how we will respond to the verdict and I, along with other community and religious leaders, urge peace and calm. There is more progress to be made when we work together. It’s up to all of us to create real and sustainable change.”

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw added, “The Philadelphia Police Department is prepared for any possible civil unrest that may unfold in the wake of the Chauvin verdict. As we have seen in the past, the overwhelming majority of people in our city demonstrate in a peaceful manner. They express themselves in a way that is respectful to others, and is also respectful to our beautiful communities.

However, there is a small percentage of people out there who choose to use these opportunities for personal gain. Let me be clear: unlawful behavior will not be tolerated. The safety of all demonstrators, along with the safety of our residents, business owners, and visitors remains a top priority for the PPD.”

Care as First Response: A Toolkit for Creating Safe Spaces: The City created a toolkit highlighting safe ways that individuals and organizations can offer ways for people to talk about racism, racial identity, equity, justice, and the way these forces shape our society. It includes a message from Managing Director Tumar Alexander and the other resources listed below.

Community Healing Circles: The City is creating safe spaces for people to talk, vent, and process their emotions in communion with other residents by hosting virtual Community Healing Circles on Zoom for the next three weeks. These Community Healing Circles are intended to help residents share their feelings and find community and support from neighbors. The next session is on Thursday, April 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join a Community Healing session. While we are providing Healing Spaces to the Community, we also recognize that others are holding healing spaces and conversations. Best practices for hosting a healing space are available online here.

Video from Community Leaders: Local leaders including Pastor Carl Day, Ricky Duncan, Darryl Schuler, Eugene “Buddah” Thomas, Morris Hobson, and Dawud Bey,  produced a video called #PHILLYWeLostEnough with a message of peace and unity to the community. Their message is that “regardless of the outcome/verdict of the Derek Chauvin trial we must come together to ensure continued forward progress for Philadelphia.” Its producers invite you to share the video and/or shoot your own with the #PHILLYWeLostEnough message. Be sure to use the hashtag. There’s no time and moment like the present for us to come together and be the change we want to see in our city.

Protest Guidance: All of us have the right to express our beliefs. We have the right to gather, march, and protest peacefully and safely. Great progress has been made when we unite in a common cause for the greatest good, and peaceful protest is the American way.

Citywide Call for Prayer: On the day of the verdict at 7 p.m., the City’s Office of Faith Based and Interfaith Affairs calls for a citywide prayer. Wherever you are in whatever manner aligns with your faith, please pray for Peace, Justice, Wisdom, and Unity.

Mental Health Resources: Remember that if you are in crisis, we strongly urge you to call the Philadelphia Crisis Line at 215-685-6440. This hotline operates 24/7 and has behavioral health specialists ready to respond to those in need of immediate help.

  • Black Men Heal provides mental health and community resources for Men of Color.
  • MindPHL provides free mental health resources and programs from the City of Philadelphia in collaboration with Independence Blue Cross.
  • Healthy Minds Philly has a guide to Addressing Trauma and Violence which provides information about community supports in the face of trauma.
  • Boost Your Mood is a resource guide from Healthy Minds Philly that has wellness and mental health tips for everyone.

Guidance for Businesses: The City’s Commerce Department is working very closely with other City agencies as well as with community partners and neighborhood associations. Businesses are not encouraged to close at this time, but businesses are urged to have a plan in place to quickly communicate with their employees, as needed. As demonstrations can develop in real-time, the Philadelphia Police Department will increase officer presence around the city at key locations, including commercial districts. If warranted, businesses should take the following steps to:

  • Protect your business exterior by bringing in non-fixed items like signs, flags, flower pots, etc.
  • If security cameras are installed, make sure they are in working order and are pointed in the right direction near doors or windows.
  • Business owners and operators are also encouraged to meet their neighbors and exchange contact information.
  • For non-emergency business questions or concerns, businesses can reach out to business@phila.gov or call the City’s Office of Business Services hotline Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 215-683-2100.

More information for businesses is available online here.

Stay Informed: Residents and business owners can stay connected to important information by signing up for the City’s mass communication system, ReadyPhiladelphia.  You can get free alerts by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 or visiting the Office of Emergency Management’s website www.phila.gov/ready to sign up for customized text or email alerts. Continue to monitor @PhillyMayor, @PhiladelphiaGOV, @PhillyPolice, and @PhilaOEM on Twitter for updates.

Update on Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Activation and National Guard Deployment: The EOC remains active for COVID response, as it has over the past year, and it has shifted to supporting First Amendment activity. The EOC is coordinating with city agencies, critical infrastructure partners, and regional public safety entities to share information and resources. The Pennsylvania National Guard has been deployed to the city to assist the Philadelphia Police Department and help ensure public safety.

###