A mass shooting at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday evening left nine people dead, including two children, in what the city’s police chief called the most heartbreaking scene his officers had ever faced.
Police were called to the 700 block of Perry Street, near East 7th Street on the city’s East Side, shortly before 5 p.m. after a ShotSpotter alert and 911 calls reporting gunfire. Witnesses said a man fired a handgun outside a residence before going inside. Officers found two women fatally shot in the street, and more victims were later found dead inside the home.
Standoff ends with suspect dead
Officers surrounded the house as the situation turned into a SWAT operation and forced their way in after obtaining a search warrant. The suspect was found dead inside with what police described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. City officials said the deaths occurred before officers arrived, that no shots were fired after police got there, and that loud bangs heard during the response were flash-bang devices.
Authorities have not said whether the gunman is included in the death toll of nine, and some local outlets report that he killed eight people before taking his own life. The identities and ages of the victims and the suspect have not been released, and investigators are still working to establish whether the gunman knew the victims and whether those inside the home were related.
“This is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking scenes our officers and investigators have ever encountered. The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing.” — Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah
“My heart breaks for this family”
Lorah, who said it was the worst crime scene of his nearly three-decade career, declined to discuss a possible motive and said officers would be offered counseling. Mayor Daria Devlin’s administration said the situation was contained and there was no ongoing threat to the public, and urged residents to share only confirmed information.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said he had spoken with Devlin and offered the state’s full support. “My heart breaks for this family. Lori and I are praying for their loved ones and the entire Erie community,” he wrote. The city said anyone needing support can reach Crisis Services at 814-456-2024.
