Christopher David Fitzgerald identified as Temple University police officer shot and killed in a carjacking incident

According to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, a Temple University police officer was shot and killed on Saturday night near the campus border while attempting to intervene in a carjacking.

This marks the first time in the school’s history that a university security officer has been killed in the line of duty, and has sent shockwaves throughout the North Philadelphia campus where safety concerns have been increasing.

The officer’s name has not been released, but sources have identified him as Christopher David Fitzgerald, 31, the son of a well-known police official, Joel Fitzgerald, who has held various high-profile law enforcement positions across the United States after spending 17 years with the Philadelphia Police Department.

Temple University President Jason Wingard, his voice trembling with emotion, expressed deep sadness, saying, “We are heartbroken tonight.” Ken Kaiser, the school’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, added that the incident had deeply affected everyone and had shaken them to their core. He also mentioned that in his 32 years of service at the university, this was the first time a campus police officer had been fatally shot.

Alec Shaffer, the president of the campus police union, stated that the campus police force is in a state of shock, and there are no words to express their profound grief.

The shooting incident was first reported around 7 p.m., but the details of what led to it were vague and contradictory.

According to the university’s statement, a robbery took place at a convenience store located at 15th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue. However, Commissioner Outlaw stated that the officer attempted to intervene in a carjacking and was subsequently shot.

The officer was declared dead upon arrival at Temple University Hospital.

The news of the officer’s death has left Mayor Jim Kenney feeling heartbroken and outraged, while Governor Josh Shapiro and his wife were devastated by the news.

In response, some officials have called for stricter gun control measures. City Council President Darrell L. Clarke issued a statement emphasizing the need to take action against the proliferation of guns in Philadelphia, stating that “with every tragedy, it becomes increasingly apparent that there are far too many guns on our streets, and that we must intensify our efforts to remove them from our city.”