The shooting and hours-long police standoff in Erie, Pennsylvania, left nine people dead, including two children, and authorities said the accused gunman was also discovered dead.
The incident happened Friday nite, Oct. 9, on the 700 block of Perry Street on the east side of the city. Police responded to reports of gunfire and a guy reportedly firing outside of a home and then entering the residence about 5 p.m. Two women were discovered dead in the street and other victims inside the property. Local reports say the dead toll, including the alleged shooter, stands at nine.
The situation grew tense with Erie police and a tactical unit surrounding the home and asking the suspect to surrender. During the confrontation other gunshots were heard. Police reports said when authorities entered the residence they found several casualties, including children, and the accused gunman dead from what seemed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“This is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking things I have ever experienced in my 28-plus years of law enforcement,” said Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah about the scene.
“These are very troubling circumstances,” said Lorah, extending his condolences to the victims, their families and all others impacted by the tragedy. He also said police were trying to ascertain the exact facts of the shooting and would not speculate about a motive while the investigation was ongoing.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said he had extended his administration’s full support to Erie Mayor Daria Devlin after the tragedy. Authorities offered condolences to the impacted families and the entire community as they began examining the event.
Reports published Saturday have not released the full identities of the victims and the suspected shooter. Authorities also had not publicly identified what caused the violence or confirmed any relationship between the suspect and victims.
City officials said they had the issue under control and that there was no threat to the public. Detectives continue to canvas the site gathering information on what happened inside and outside the residence.
The deaths have rocked the Erie community, and the police chief said the loss of life was terrible. We hope to learn more when detectives reveal confirmed information about the victims and the circumstances behind the shooting.
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