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.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:08:49 GMT
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.If you were lucky enough to get outside Friday, to a place like the Perkiomen
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:49 PM EDT2013-05-14 21:49:13 GMT
A Hollywood A-lister takes the world by surprise by opening up about a very private matter. Angelina Jolie revealed Tuesday she chose to have a double mastectomy to lower her risk of getting cancer.
A Hollywood A-lister takes the world by surprise by opening up about a very private matter. Angelina Jolie revealed Tuesday she chose to have a double mastectomy to lower her risk of getting cancer. Jolie's not the first woman to do it, but she may be the most high profile. Her decision is touching off a serious conversation about the preventive measure.
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-25 15:00:47 GMT
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:08:04 GMT
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed.
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed. FOX 29's Bruce Gordon spent a day with folks preparing a veterans' cemetery for its day in the spotlight.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:48:26 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:30 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:30:28 GMT
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a spectacular Summer season.
Several protesters are seen holding up signs during Mayor Nutter's budget address Thursday.
