Philly Health Commissioner Resigns After MOVE Remains Revelation

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley has resigned after it was revealed he cremated and disposed of MOVE bombing victims remains rather than fully identifying those remains and returning them to the family, according to the city.

Mayor Jim Kenney issued a statement Thursday, which marks the bombing's 36th anniversary.

Eleven people, five of whom were children, were killed when authorities dropped two bombs from a helicopter on a row house at 6221 Osage Ave. in West Philadelphia that was home to the MOVE organization in 1985 during a firefight between authorities and MOVE.

"Earlier this week, I learned of a very disturbing incident involving the Philadelphia Department of Public Health that occurred during the first term of our administration, Kenney said in a statement. "Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley disclosed that several years ago he learned of remains found by the Medical Examiner’s Office that belonged to victims of the 1985 MOVE bombing. Instead of fully identifying those remains and returning them to the family, he made a decision to cremate and dispose of them."

Kenney said Farley's actions "lacked empathy for the victims, their family, and the deep pain that the MOVE bombing has brought to our city for nearly four decades."

Farley's resignation came at Kenney's request.

"While Dr. Farley disclosed, accepted responsibility, and resigned, it is imperative to understand the knowledge and actions of others in my administration at the time," Kenney said. "In addition to identifying these individuals, it is my goal that this investigation and final report present a complete picture that’s been missing for far too long, and that it brings some comfort and closure to the victims’ families. My Administration has retained Dechert LLP to conduct this review."

Additionally, Medical Examiner Dr. Sam Gulino has been placed on administrative leave pending a full investigation.

Dr. Cheryl Bettigole is now the city's Acting Health Commissioner. Kenney said a national search will begin to fill the role for the remainder of his term.

"I cannot imagine that it means much, but I also offer a formal apology to the Africa family and members of the Movement on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, not just for this disgraceful incident, but also for how administration after administration has failed to atone for the heinous act on May 13, 1985 and continues to dishonor the victims," Kenney said. "I am profoundly sorry for the incredible pain, harm, and loss caused by that horrific day."