Temple students organize basketball fundraiser for slain Philly officer

Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wilson III (right) died after he was shot in the head at a GameStop in North Philadelphia on March 5. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wilson III (right) died after he was shot in the head at a GameStop in North Philadelphia on March 5. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

A group of Temple University students is planning a basketball tournament fundraiser for the family of fallen Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wilson III.

Temple student Cameran Alavi, one of organizers, said 16 teams of four will face off on April 17 at Temple’s Pearson-McGonigle Hall.

The event’s proceeds will be given to Wilson’s widow and two young children, Alavi said. 

Wilson was fatally shot during a gunfight with two men attempting to rob a video game store in North Philly, police said.

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“To have something like this happen to not necessarily a Temple officer, but a Philly officer in the same district, it really shook us up a little bit,” Alavi said. 

Members of Temple’s police force will attend the tournament, and Alavi said he hopes the event will help to build trust between students and the officers.

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