A rally for peace will be held in honor of a Philadelphia Police officer who was killed in the line of duty.
Operation Save Our City, a local community group, organized a rally for Officer Robert Wilson III. The event will take place Sunday at noon at 22nd Street and Lehigh Avenue, the same location where Wilson was shot and killed.
Wilson was inside a North Philadelphia GameStop store on Lehigh Ave. Thursday buying a video game for his son when two gunmen entered, officials said.
Wilson and the suspects “engaged in a fierce and violent gun battle” that resulted in the officer being shot multiple times, according to investigators. He later died from his injuries.
Police called Wilson a hero who drew away fire from store employees and continued to shoot at both suspects, even after being hit. Two brothers, 30-year-old Carlton Hipps and 26-year-old Ramone Williams, have been charged with the officer's murder.
Rosalind Pichardo, the founder of Operation Save Our City, told NBC10 Sunday’s rally will not only honor Officer Wilson but also raise awareness and offer solutions for the violence in Philadelphia. Pichardo also said organizers will hand out pamphlets to children and teens during the event with information on after school activities in order to keep them away from negative influences.
Several other community groups, including Mothers in Charge, are expected to attend. A mass to honor the fallen officer will also take place Sunday at St. Martin De Porres Church in North Philadelphia on Lehigh Ave. in North Philadelphia at 10 a.m.
A trust fund was also set up for Wilson’s two sons. The fund is being managed by the Police and Fire Federal Credit Union. Donations can be made in person at the following branches:
- 901 Arch Street
- 7604 City Avenue
- 8500 Henry Avenue
- Leo Mall, Byberry and Bustleton Avenue
- 7500 Castor Avenue
- 3300 Grant Avenue
Checks can be mailed and made payable to:
The Robert Wilson III Family Memorial Trust Fund
Police and Fire Federal Credit Union
901 Arch Street
Philadelphia PA, 19107
