Mayor Michael Nutter had to stop delivering his budget address Thursday due to a massive protest inside Philadelphia City Council chambers, but he's now delivering his remarks in his conference room.
Earlier, council adjourned its budget session amid what Gomez described as "chaos inside and outside council chambers."
"Mayor delivering budget address- I'm maybe 15 ft away I can't hear a word," Gomez tweeted shortly after 12:30 p.m. "Protesters screaming at piercing levels."
The mayor stopped his speech then got back at it briefly, but no one could hear him. Gomez reported that the police commissioner and council president were unable to do anything to stop the protest.
Moments later Gomez tweeted, "Mayor gave up on his speech for the moment. Never seen anything like it."
Around 12:45 p.m., council recessed.
It was after 1:15 p.m. when Nutter started his speech again in his conference room. He didn't acknowledge the earlier incidents.
Thursday's protests came after unionized city workers hit the steps of City Hall on Wednesday and blasted the mayor's administration over its handling of new contracts. The fight is mostly over benefits.
Nutter has repeatedly said the city can't afford packages offered by past administrations. Union officials insist the money is there.
A spokesman for the mayor said the unions were unwilling to address benefit reform.
The mayor's office says it's within its rights to appeal an arbitrator's ruling on the firefighters' contract.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:25:14 GMT
A vandal shattered both windows and nerves in a Cumberland County, New Jersey neighborhood. He did plenty of damage, but residents are thankful it wasn't any worse.
A vandal shattered both windows and nerves in a Cumberland County, New Jersey neighborhood. He did plenty of damage, but residents are thankful it wasn't any worse, because they know the vandal easily could have hurt someone.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:55:49 GMT
A week ago Sarah cheered at the prospect of getting another chance at life. Now her family is waiting for her to take her first breath with her new donor lungs.
A week ago Sarah cheered at the prospect of getting another chance at life. Now her family is waiting for her to take her first breath with her new donor lungs.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:44 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:44:11 GMT
It's a critical waiting period right now for a 10-year-old Delaware County girl. Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday, thanks to a judge's order that allowed her to get on
It's a critical waiting period right now for a 10-year-old Delaware County girl. Sarah Murnaghan received her double lung transplant Wednesday, thanks to a judge's order that allowed her to get on an adult organ donor waiting list despite her young age. And while the transplant is cause for celebration, Sarah still has quite a fight ahead.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 6:33 PM EDT2013-06-11 22:33:58 GMT
Golf fans are flocking to Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, getting ready for the US open. But with all the excitement comes some traffic headaches for residents of the mainline.
Golf fans are flocking to Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, getting ready for the US open. But with all the excitement comes some traffic headaches for residents of the mainline.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:58:27 GMT
Bensalem Police have released a series of photos of the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in.It all happened on Monday when the suspect was observed trying to break into vehicle
Bensalem Police have released a series of photos of the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in.It all happened on Monday when the suspect was observed trying to break into vehicle
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:47 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:47:28 GMT
It was a crime that stunned a Montgomery County community--the murder of a baby and her grandmother. Now, the lawyer for 27-year-old Raghunandan Yandamuri says his client was "pressured" into confessing.
It was a crime that stunned a Montgomery County community--the murder of a baby and her grandmother. Now, the lawyer for 27-year-old Raghunandan Yandamuri says his client was "pressured" into confessing.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:41 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:41:03 GMT
A man from Newark Delaware has been charged after he exposed himself to a woman while stopped at a red light. The incident happened on May 1 around 8:30 p.m.
A man from Newark Delaware has been charged after he exposed himself to a woman while stopped at a red light.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:58:15 GMT
Ever wonder how you can stay toned while on vacation? FOX29's Mike Jerrick was out on the patio with some tips from the folks at Balance Chestnut Hill on "Good Day Philadelphia" Tuesday morning.
Ever wonder how you can stay toned while on vacation?
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:44 GMT
Earlier this spring, Philadelphia police were involved in seven shootings in seven days. That prompted a review that is being done in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Earlier this spring, Philadelphia police were involved in seven shootings in seven days. That prompted a review that is being done in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:52 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:52:25 GMT
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.Earlier this month the company refused
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.Earlier this month the company refused
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:51 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:51:46 GMT
Thunderstorms are bringing downpours to the area right now, particularly South Jersey and Delaware, as a cold front moves through. Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for several counties.
Thunderstorms are bringing downpours to the area right now, particularly South Jersey and Delaware, as a cold front moves through. Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for several counties.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:20 GMT
For the second time in one week, officers from the PSPCA are rescuing cats from another hoarding situation.17 cats have been rescued so far from a rowhome on the 2000 block of Margaret Street. The house
For the second time in one week, officers from the PSPCA are rescuing cats from another hoarding situation.17 cats have been rescued so far from a rowhome on the 2000 block of Margaret Street. The house
Several protesters are seen holding up signs during Mayor Nutter's budget address Thursday.
