PHILADELPHIA – Today Mayor Jim Kenney ordered the City’s flags to half-staff in honor of Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald, who was killed while on duty on Saturday, February 18.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Officer Christopher Fitzgerald and outraged by this and every senseless act of violence in our city,” said Mayor Kenney. “Our prayers are with Officer Fitzgerald’s family, loved ones, and colleagues. We are grateful for his service and heartbroken by this loss.

“Reducing gun violence remains my administration’s top priority, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to combat the scourge of violence that is plaguing communities across the country. I thank all the public safety officers at Temple University and across the city who put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep Philadelphia residents safe, as well as the local, state and federal law enforcement partners who acted quickly to find and arrest a suspected shooter.

“The City of Philadelphia joins the Temple community in mourning, and we will continue to work with the University to support their community in the wake of this tragedy.”