A Temple University police officer has died in the line of duty in Philadelphia Saturday evening, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said.
Shapiro offered his condolences on the death of the officer whose name is not being released at this time out of respect for the friends and family, according to the university.
“Lori and I are devastated for the family of the Temple University police officer who was killed in the line of duty tonight, bravely serving his community. We’re sending prayers to his loved ones, Temple Police, and the entire @TempleUniv community. May his memory be a blessing,” Shapiro tweeted Saturday.
Temple University released a statement Saturday to inform the community that they lost a “first responder and hero to senseless gun violence.”
The police officer died while attempting to apprehend a robbery suspect at 1700 W. Montgomery Ave. and was later pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital, the university said.
The suspect fled the scene and is at large, the university added.
“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,” the statement read.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said he was “heartbroken and outraged” by the death and pledged that “The City will continue to work with Temple Police to support them during this difficult time.”
Temple University alerted shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday that a shooting was reported on the 1700 block of Montgomery Avenue.
“Use caution. Avoid the area. Police are responding,” the school tweeted.