To the Temple community, 

Earlier this morning, an 18-year-old person of interest was taken into custody in connection with last night’s tragic murder of a Temple University Police Officer. We can now share that Officer Christopher David Fitzgerald, hired on October 4, 2021, was shot while on duty and later pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital.  

Officer Fitzgerald gave his life to selflessly serve and defend this community. The courage and bravery he displayed highlights the day-to-day sacrifice made by our Temple University Police Officers to keep our community safe. This loss leaves an enormous hole in all of our hearts. He was a father, a husband, a son, a colleague, and a friend.  

We will share service details as soon as we have more information. In the meantime, we want to extend our deepest sympathies to Officer Fitzgerald’s family and friends, especially his wife, his children, and his parents. He will be deeply missed. 

Sincerely, 

Jennifer D. Griffin 
Vice President for Public Safety