To the Temple community, 

I am heartbroken to inform you that Temple University has lost a first responder and hero to senseless gun violence.  A Temple police officer was shot this evening while trying to apprehend a robbery suspect at 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue. The officer was later pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital. 

There are simply no words that can make sense of this tragedy. It tears at our sense of community and safety.  We all mourn this unspeakable loss. 

The suspect in the shooting has fled the Temple area.  Both the Philadelphia Police Department and the Temple University Police Department are still gathering information regarding the incident. Out of respect for the officer’s family and friends, we are not releasing his identity at this time. 

This loss comes at a time when gun violence continues its horrific impact on our city and our country. Philadelphia and the nation are dealing with an unprecedented epidemic of violence, and the tragedy that took place tonight is a gut-wrenching reminder of our police officers’ daily bravery and sacrifices to protect our students, faculty, staff and community. 

This loss will reverberate throughout our community. It will impact all of us in the days and weeks to come. We encourage Temple community members to seek support through Tuttleman Counseling Services, located at 1700 N. Broad St. For information, call 215-204-7276 or visit the Tuttleman Counseling Services website. 

Please join me in sending our deepest sympathies and thoughts of strength and perseverance to the victim’s family, friends and the entire Temple community during this tremendously difficult time. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Jason Wingard  
President