Procession for a Temple University police officer Christopher David Fitzgerald shot and killed in a carjacking incident

Following his intervention in a carjacking near the Temple University campus in North Philadelphia, a police officer has passed away.

The shooting took place around 7 p.m. in the vicinity of 18th Street and Montgomery Avenue. While university officials initially reported that the officer was investigating a robbery at a convenience store located at 15th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, during a briefing later on, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw revealed that the officer had been attempting to intervene in a carjacking near 18th and Montgomery when he was shot.

The university reported that the officer was quickly transported to Temple University Hospital, where he subsequently passed away.

At present, the police have not released any information regarding a suspect or arrest, although university officials have stated that the suspect fled the scene.

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

In a statement released late on Saturday night, Temple University President Jason Wingard expressed his deep concern regarding the ongoing issue of gun violence in the city and across the nation. The tragic loss of the officer highlights the devastating impact of gun violence in our communities, both locally and nationally.

The statement further acknowledged the bravery and sacrifices made by police officers to safeguard our students, staff, faculty, and communities. Wingard also provided information regarding Tuttleman Counseling Services, located at 1700 N. Broad St, for those in need of support. The statement also received condolences from several local police departments, as well as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, who expressed their sympathy on social media.

“Heartbroken and outraged by tonight’s news of the shooting and death of a Temple University police officer,” read a tweet from Mayor Kenney. “The City of Philadelphia joins the Temple community in mourning. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”