As Temple University students were preparing for the new academic year, two violent robberies targeted their peers Monday night, raising concerns about campus safety on the eve of move-in day. NBC Philadelphia reported the first incident occurred at the intersection of 11th and Montgomery where a student was assaulted and robbed. The second incident took place at the Broad and Cecil B. Moore subway station, where another student was attacked and deprived of his backpack. The perpetrators in both cases were identified as juveniles, aged 13 and 15.
Effectively responding to the threats, a collaborative effort by the SEPTA Transit Police, Temple University Police Association, and the Philadelphia Police Department resulted in the arrest of the suspects on the 1400 block of Montgomery Ave. These incidents were part of a night that also included a shooting on North 18th Street, but no injuries were reported as a result of any of these events, as detailed by FOX 29.
Temple University Police Chief Jennifer Griffin showcased the university's commitment to safety in a statement obtained by 6ABC. "Majority of our students will never have an issue the entire time they are here," she assured, detailing the extensive safety measures in place, including 24-hour walking escorts, a flight service with over 51 stops within the patrol zone, and a dedicated safety app. Furthermore, Griffin noted the technological advancements such as license plate readers that have already led to successful interventions.
