In the spring of 1908, a day of routine examination of firearms took a tragic turn for Philadelphia Police Officer Thomas Arthur Gordon. On April 9th, the 26-year-old white male officer was in a gunsmith's store located on South Street, near 2nd Street, when a fatal incident occurred. Officer Gordon, who had served on the police force for two years, was inspecting firearms at the establishment.
The unfortunate event unfolded when the wife of the gunsmith picked up Officer Gordon's
service revolver from the counter. In a tragic accident, the weapon discharged, and the bullet struck Officer Gordon, inflicting a fatal wound. His death was a result of this accidental discharge, a sudden and unforeseen event that cut short the life of a young officer.
At the time of his death, Thomas Arthur Gordon was survived by his wife and son. The incident was recorded as an accidental shooting, and due to the nature of the event, there were no arrests or suspects in the manner of a criminal investigation. The death of Officer Gordon was a somber moment for the Philadelphia Police Department, losing one of their own in a sudden and accidental manner.
