Resolution 160985

..Title Honoring and recognizing Torago Flint for his heroism and the courage and bravery he exhibited while protecting his fellow citizens in Rittenhouse Square Park on October 18, 2016. ..Body WHEREAS, On the evening of Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at approximately 9:30 pm, Torago Flint was bicycling through Rittenhouse Square Park when he witnessed a robbery in progress; and WHEREAS, Two young men were holding up an 18-year-old woman and a 22-year-old male at gun-point near 19th and Walnut Streets, when Mr. Flint bravely decided to intervene; and WHEREAS, When Mr. Flint, "Rittenhouse's Good Samaritan," attempted to tackle the gunman and protect his fellow citizens, he was shot by one of the assailants and sustained 5 gunshot wounds to his torso and shoulder; and WHEREAS, Fortunately, Mr. Flint was immediately rushed to Hahnemann University Hospital, where he successfully recovered from his injuries; and WHEREAS, While Mr. Flint's heroism resulted in serious injuries, his concern for the well-being of his fellow citizens and the courage he exhibited on October 18th is something to be recognized and acknowledged; and WHEREAS, In explaining why he chose to act, Torago Flint said plainly: "I had to." While Mr. Flint insists that he is not a hero, his actions in Rittenhouse Square tell a very different story; and WHEREAS, This incident emphasizes an important lesson: that even in well-policed areas like Rittenhouse Square, everyday citizens, such as Mr. Flint, can be vital players in the City's public safety efforts; and WHEREAS, This shooting must also draw our City's attention to the work that remains to be done pertaining to gun violence in Philadelphia. We must continue our collective efforts to ensure that every neighborhood in the City of Philadelphia is free from the threat of gun violence so that every individual, including Mr. Flint and the citizens he protected on October 18th, can feel safe walking the streets whether during the day or at night; and WHEREAS, Torago Flint demonstrated the true meaning of Brotherly Love through his heroic actions the night of October 18th, and he has earned the gratitude and admiration of all Philadelphians; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and recognize Torago Flint for his heroism and the courage and bravery he exibited while protecting his fellow citizens in Rittenhouse Square Park on October 18, 2016. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Torago Flint as evidence of the deep appreciation and sincere sentiments of this legislative body. ..End