Hundreds rally for increased police presence at U. and Doree Shafrir A restless crowd of several hundred University students and community members gathered last night on College Green in an anxious call for better safety measures on and around campus. The rally was a direct response to College senior Patrick Leroy's shooting early yesterday morning and to the 25 other robberies this month affecting members of University community. Chief of Police Operations Maureen Rush said the tragedy had "galvanized people more than I've seen in the past three years." Striving to be heard without a microphone, Rush explained the circumstances surrounding yesterday's incident, which occurred near the corner of 40th and Locust streets. Many students expressed particular concern because the Leroy was shot despite the fact that he and two other male students were walking in a group -- a suggested police safety tip. During the rally, Rush outlined a general plan to increase police protection around campus. "We are targeting the most dangerous times and places around campus in an effort to increase Penn patrols from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.," she said. "We want to work together to make the campus and its surrounding areas more safe for students." Rush's speech was interrupted frequently by crowd members dissatisfied with the police response to the recent crime wave. After Rush explained that those on campus can call 511 in an emergency situation, one male student yelled from the crowd, "By the time we call the number, the crime has already occurred!" Several attempts to quiet the crowd were unsuccessful. Even after Rush spoke, many students continued to voice their concerns about campus safety. "What more do they need to realize a simple answer? Put more cops on the streets," College sophomore Josh Styne said. "Do they need someone to be killed?" Others more pointedly attacked Rush for her remarks. "I was annoyed because she wasn't answering our questions," Wharton senior Dan Lobel said. Students also criticized Rush for urging students to contact police via blue light phones if they observe any "suspicious behavior" in the area. Some students felt this directive would unnecessarily single out innocent people as criminals. "What is defined as suspicious behavior?" asked Engineering senior Cardell Orrin. "For many students here, suspicious behavior may be defined as just being an African American. "I'm concerned about crime, but I'm also concerned about racial preconceptions that people have," Orrin added. Several students said they were disappointed other administrators -- especially University President Judith Rodin -- did not attend the protest. A chant of "Where's Judy?" arose several times during the evening. College senior Jen Blumenfeld, generation XX editor, and Engineering senior Neil Sheth, senior class president, organized the rally almost immediately after word of the shooting got out.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
