Kenney, Outlaw Apologize For Tear Gassing Protesters

PHILADELPHIA — In a news conference Thursday, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw apologized for the response to protesters on Interstate 676 during unrest on June 1.

The apologies come shortly after Pennsylvania State Police released dashboard camera footage from a police vehicle that contradicted what Outlaw and Kenney said happened that day.

Outlaw and Kenney also cited a new video about the events posted by the New York Times that breaks down how the scene unfolded as an impetus for the apologies.

She said the video disturbed her, and that she was "sickened by it."

Philadelphia Police initially said protesters surrounded a State Trooper, who was alone and seated in his car, and began rocking the vehicle.

But video released by state police shows the trooper was not in the vehicle and the vehicle was not rocked.

Outlaw previously said the protesting events on Interstate 676 were violent, but no evidence has emerged showing any violent protesters.

In fact, in the dashboard camera video police can be heard saying the protesters were peaceful.

Kenney earlier in June said he authorized the use of tear gas. Thursday he said he regretted making that call and regretted his statements that claimed protesters on the highway were violent, which never occurred.

"Ever since seeing the video of the terrifying incident on I-676 I have regretted my decision from the day before," he said. "I also regret my statements that followed that attempted to justify the use of tear gas in that particular situation. I now know that my statements were based on inaccurate information being relayed from the scene."

In addition to her apology, Outlaw declared a moratorium on use of tear gas for crowd control

She also said the police department is reviewing other weapons — such as pepper spray, bean bags, and other less than lethal weapons — available to SWAT members.

Tear gas, she said, should only be used when dealing with a violent person.