To the Temple University community:
 
Late Wednesday afternoon, we were all stunned when six Philadelphia Police officers sustained gunshot wounds in the Tioga-Nicetown section of the city, northwest of Temple University’s Health Sciences Center campus.
 
The safety of the Temple community is always a top priority. At approximately 5 p.m., in coordination with Philadelphia Police, the Health Sciences Center campus was placed under lockdown as the situation unfolded. The lockdown was lifted roughly two hours later, and just after midnight, an all-clear message was communicated.
 
On behalf of the wider Temple University community, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Temple University Campus Safety Services personnel, the Philadelphia Police Department, and all other law enforcement agencies that work to keep this community safe.
 
I also want to thank the dedicated staff at Temple University Hospital for their compassion and commitment in delivering exceptional patient care during a time of crisis. Not only did they deliver the highest level of care to the victims of the shooting; they also ensured the ongoing excellent care to the hospital’s other patients.
 
Finally, I want to extend my thoughts to those of you who were affected by the lockdown. Know that I am grateful for all you do for Temple every day.
 
Incidents like this can be stressful. If you were affected by yesterday’s events, the resources of Tuttleman Counseling Services are available to you. You are encouraged to call 215-204-7276.
 
To everyone who played a role in this event, please accept Temple’s heartfelt thanks.
 
Richard M. Englert
President