There were two recent violent flash mobs in Philadelphia: one on Broad Street at Temple University and the most recent one at 16th and Walnut.  In reaction to the first incident at Temple, Mayor Kenney was silent. After the second incident, Kenney delivered a statement that condemned the flash mobs along with a series of racist post-election activities, including social media slurs and graffiti. “I know right now that many Philadelphians are feeling anxious, angry, afraid, even hopeless. Others feel emboldened by hateful rhetoric to act out in destructive ways,” the Mayor said. “But if we allow any of these feelings to guide our actions, then we are no better than what we claim to oppose…Calling someone by any type of slur, defacing a building, or participating in a flash mob does nothing to help preserve the values of diversity and inclusion that make Philadelphia strong.”

His attitude contrasts with Mayor Nutter forceful response in 2011.  In this article, The Philadelphia Citizen questions what was best for the city.