Posted August 15, 2019

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput offered the following statement Thursday, Aug. 15, a day after six Philadelphia Police officers were injured in a shooting rampage in North Philadelphia.

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In reflecting on violent acts in our country a short time ago, I remarked that we’d soon be on to the next crisis — and it unfolded right here in our city. Like many Philadelphians I watched the news with growing anxiety and sadness yesterday afternoon and evening as the number of police officers shot and injured continued to rise. It was a prolonged period of chaotic tension for the Philadelphia Police Department, first responders, and the residents of Tioga-Nicetown.

We should all be grateful for the daily self-sacrifice of our law enforcement community as well as the perseverance and professionalism of those who worked to bring yesterday’s standoff to an end without loss of life or further violence.

In the aftermath, let’s pray that God will aid the swift recovery of the injured officers, that He will guide the hand of the medical professionals treating them, and that He will pour His comforting grace upon all those suffering burdens of fear and grief.

The terror that filled yesterday serves as a stark reminder not only of the fragility of life but also of the clear and present danger that illegal drugs and illegally obtained firearms pose to our community. In addition to our prayers, let’s work together toward sensible solutions that address the root causes of continued violence and seek to lift up those struggling with addictions.

Let us resolve each day to treat our brothers and sisters with dignity, charity, and respect. May we all embrace that which is good so that the light of Christ will prevail in a world where evil often rears its head.