Levittown, Pennsylvania – Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, raised concerns about the prevalence of violent crime incidents, such as the recent shooting in Pennsylvania and standoff in New Jersey. Emphasizing the urgency of addressing mental health issues, Fitzpatrick highlighted the need for a shift in focus towards mental healthcare in the country. He expressed his belief that mental health has become a crisis exacerbated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and increased drug use.
The recent incident involved a 26-year-old man, Andre Gordon, who allegedly shot and killed three individuals in Falls Township, Pennsylvania. Gordon then fled to New Jersey, where he engaged in a five-hour standoff with law enforcement before being apprehended. Fitzpatrick commended the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies involved in tracking down Gordon and ensuring the safety of the community during the incident.
Gordon’s actions resulted in the tragic deaths of his 52-year-old stepmother and 13-year-old sister in Falls Township. Authorities successfully took him into custody in Trenton, New Jersey, following his surrender. Despite the loss of three individuals in Bucks County, Fitzpatrick urged the community to come together and support those impacted by the tragedy.
In another home, Gordon is accused of fatally shooting a 25-year-old woman, Taylor Daniel, who was the mother of his two children. Four other individuals inside the residence survived the incident. The involvement of a minor in the home during the shooting further highlights the devastating impact of such acts of violence. Fitzpatrick underscored the need for prioritizing mental health concerns to prevent similar occurrences and ensure the well-being of individuals in communities across the country.