The Campus Law Enforcement Community lost a brave hero on Saturday. Temple Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was murdered on Saturday, February 18, 2023 just after 1900 hours, following a robbery near campus in North Philadelphia. Officer Fitzgerald attempted to stop three individuals in a robbery which resulted in a foot pursuit.

Once Officer Fitzgerald caught up to the suspect, there was a brief struggle and the suspect shot Officer Fitzgerald in the head. According to police reports, the suspect is seen on video surveillance standing over Officer Fitzgerald after he fell to the ground, firing several more shots into his face and head area. The suspect is alleged to have tried to take the Officers gun and going through his pockets as he lay on the ground fatally wounded.

Officer Fitzgerald was just 31 years old and leaves behind a wife and four children. He had been on the Police Department since October of 2021.

The 18-year-old suspect was taken into custody using Officer Fitzgerald’s handcuffs on Sunday.

The Temple University Police Association has set up a GoFundMe page to help Officer Fitzgerald’s family. GofundMe

Officer Fitzgerald bravely sacrificed his life protecting the Temple University Community. MACLEA is heartbroken over the loss of Officer Fitzgerald.

Please join me in prayer and thoughts for his family, friends, police family, and the Temple University Community.

Yours in Sorrow,
Laurene Spiess
MACLEA President