Kylie McGovern, Editor 

On Saturday, Feb. 18, Temple University police officer Chris Fitzgerald was shot and killed around 18th Street and Montgomery Avenue responding to a student who was being carjacked. Fitzgerald, 31, joined the force in October 2021. Fitzgerald’s wife and 4 children are mourning the loss of a father and husband. Fitzgerald was also an integral member of his community as a founding member of the Hood 2 Hood Run Series. 

A suspect, 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer is caught on video saying “give me the keys or I’ll kill you.” The suspect drove off in the car but was later picked up by his mother on 29th Street and Ridge Avenue. Pfeffer was arrested on the 2300 block of Quarry Road in Bucks County around 7 a.m. Sunday. Pfeffer was charged with Murder, Murder of a law enforcement officer, Robbery, Carjacking, Carrying a firearm without a license and possession of an instrument of crime. 

A growing memorial for the fallen officer has also been started by fellow officers and his Temple community on the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue. Temple University released a statement that read: “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.”

Unfortunately, the La Salle community and the greater neighborhood are no strangers to violence. Last week, an undergraduate student was the victim of an armed carjacking at the intersection of 20th Street and Chew Avenue. Both La Salle Public Safety and the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) arrived within minutes of receiving notification from an eyewitness. In addition, there was a shelter in place on Wednesday, Feb. 15 for off-campus and St Katherine residents because of a situation at the 5700 block of N. Woodstock St. The Division of Student Development and Campus Life (SDCL) at La Salle University is proud to partner with the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) and its 35th District to provide the opportunity to attend one of two safety education sessions at 12:30–2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, in Holroyd Hall atrium and 8–9:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 22, also in Holroyd Hall atrium. 

Editor’s Note: The Staff at The Collegian is thinking of Fitzgerald’s family and the Temple University community, as well as students here at La Salle affected by the incidents this week.