Bucks County Sprung To Action During Fatal Shootings

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA —Police Chief Nelson E. Whitney II has sent a letter to residents and businesses regarding the fatal triple shooting spree Saturday that has left the township in shock, detailing how numerous Bucks County agencies sprung to action as events unfolded.

"The spree killing that took the lives of three people in our community this past Saturday is a devastating loss," Whitney said. "It has left many in our community feeling shocked and deeply saddened. It is understandable to feel different emotions during such a tremendous tragedy. At a time like this, we need to support each other as a community."

Andre Gordon Jr. is charged with 32 counts by Bucks County authorities, including three counts of first-degree murder, and three counts of second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting.

Falls Township Police and Bucks County District Attorney Jennifer Schorn, in a press conference Saturday afternoon, said that Andre Gordon Jr. forcibly broke into one home and killed his 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon, and 13-year-old sister, Kera Gordon, before going to another home and killing Taylor Daniel, the mother of his two children.

"I want you to know that the safety of everyone in this community was the highest priority during this event," Whitney said. "Our officers responded to the horrible scenes of these crimes hoping to save the lives of those who were attacked. Sadly, unable to do so, their attention immediately shifted to protecting anyone else from further harm."

The police chief said that Sgt. Steve Reeves utilized his training and experience to begin organizing the response to this crisis. His initial actions of sealing off the affected areas, calling for additional resources, and issuing a shelter-in-place order were crucial in protecting the community. At that point, the location of the shooter was unknown, the chief said.

Whitney immediately contacted Brian Galloway —the organizer of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and a Falls Township Supervisor —to discuss the risk to parade-goers. The decision was immediately made to cancel the parade.

The chief said immediate assistance was provided by police departments in Middletown Township, Bensalem Township, Bristol Township, Bristol Borough, Lower Makefield Township, Upper Makefield Township, Newtown Township, Warrington Township, Yardley Borough, Upper Southampton Township, Tullytown Borough, the Bucks County Rangers, and Quakertown.

He said that the Philadelphia Police Department and the New Jersey State Police sent helicopters to help in the search for the gunman.

The Trenton Police Department and Mercer County (N.J.) authorities responded to the incident in Trenton in which Gordon barricaded himself in a home and took family members hostage before eventually being captured.

He said that the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office responded to investigate along with township police detectives. Off-duty officers also came in to help, the chief said.

Whitney said the leadership at the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad responded to the command post and called in additional EMS personnel on duty in case there were any other people wounded as the event progressed.

The Falls Township Fire Marshal/Assistant Township Manager Rich Dippolito —who was off duty and out of town on a pre-planned vacation —called the chief and sent personnel to coordinate resources.

The FBI in Fort Washington and Trenton sent agents to the command post as well, the chief said.

The Pennsylvania State Police sent a team to our Command post to coordinate resources. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms sent a team of agents to help investigate.

Additionally, Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran and U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick offered assistance. Whitney said he was also contacted by Bucks County officials, Falls Township Manager Matt Takita, and staff from Jefferson Bucks Hospital.

"It was truly an example of the group effort that makes local stakeholders and local government so effective in a time of crisis through collaboration," Whitney said

"Our hearts go out to the families directly impacted by this tragedy. The things that they have seen, heard, and felt cannot be undone," the chief said. "We will continue to support them with compassion and love. Several of the family members involved in this heartbreaking occurrence currently attend or attended school in the Pennsbury School District. They have been students alongside our own loved ones in our schools."

He said that anyone experiencing stress over the traumatic event and seeking assistance can contact the Keystone Crisis Intervention Team (KCIT). Help is free and confidential.

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