PHILADELPHIA (May 7, 2025) – Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) President Arthur G. Steinberg on Wednesday issued the following statement on a violent incident outside of Overbrook High School during which a Philadelphia Police officer was shot and hospitalized:
“We are horrified by the violence that occurred outside of Overbrook High School today. Our thoughts are with the Philadelphia Police officer who was shot; may their recovery be swift and complete. As educators, the physical violence among young people that the officer was attempting to quell was devastating to witness.
“At this time, it is our understanding that no students or staff were injured in this incident. That is dumb luck. Firearms do not belong in the hands of anyone who would use them recklessly, nor do they belong within arm’s reach of a child. America is one of the most dangerous countries for children in the world because our communities are flooded with largely unregulated, untracked guns.
“Last week, I testified before the City Council on the most urgent needs of Philadelphia public schools and its students. That same week, several of our members at Warren Harding Middle School were threatened by a student’s parent brandishing a firearm, requiring a response by police. I was gratified when Public Safety Chair Curtis Jones, Jr., shared our alarm about gun violence near schools and unacceptably violent threats made against teachers and school staff by students’ parents and guardians, and pledged to work with us, the School District, and Mayor Parker's administration toward prevention and solutions. The PFT will continue to fight for safer climates both within our school buildings and in their surrounding communities.”
The PFT is a signatory to CeaseFirePA's Common Agenda to End Gun Violence.
