Multiple Temple University students assaulted after "disorderly" crowd of minors gathered on campus
Multiple Temple students were assaulted as a large crowd of "disorderly" minors gathered in the area of Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue over the weekend in North Philadelphia, university officials announced.
Temple University President John Fry said in a letter to the community on Monday that a total of five Temple students were assaulted on Saturday and Sunday when "large groups of juveniles gathered on public streets and sidewalks near Temple University's campus." During the gatherings on Saturday, two students required medical attention, while two additional students were pushed to the ground but were not in need of medical treatment. On Sunday, an additional student was pushed to the ground and robbed, but was not in need of medical attention.
On Monday afternoon, Temple Police released photos of the persons of interest wanted in the robbery, which happened on the 1300 block of West Montgomery Avenue.
"Incidents like these are deeply unsettling and completely unacceptable to both the university community and our neighbors," Fry said. "We cannot allow this type of behavior to become normalized in the area surrounding our campus."
Temple University Police Captain James Hennigan said that eight people have been arrested in connection with the incidents over the weekend. Additional police patrols will be in the area this upcoming weekend.
Fry said Griffin has been in contact with leaders within the Philadelphia Police Department to address the incidents.
"Our priority is and will continue to be the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff," Fry said. "You all expect and deserve a secure environment in which to live, work and learn, and we will continue to do everything we can to deliver just that. I will be sure to keep you apprised moving forward."
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact the Philadelphia or Temple Police Department.
Temple students impacted by the incidents over the weekend are encouraged to seek support through Tuttleman Counseling Services. University officials are also urging students to familiarize themselves with safety resources, like the walking escort program and Flight. Temple students can also call university police at 215-204-1234 during an emergency.
The assaults happened while students in the School District of Philadelphia were on spring break. A similar gathering happened roughly one year ago in the same area on Temple's campus.
Maria Gonzalez has an 18-year-old high schooler taking classes at Temple. She said she walks them to and from campus every day, and doesn't take any chances.
"I make sure she's safe because crazy things happen," Gonzalez said.
