Nine people are dead following a mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday night, according to local officials and Governor Josh Shapiro. The governor described the incident as a tragic loss of life and said he had offered the full support of his administration to the city.
Erie officials confirmed Saturday morning that nine people had died in what they called a tragedy. Police responded to the scene within minutes of a ShotSpotter alert, but investigators determined that all the deaths occurred before officers arrived. The sounds heard during the police response were not gunfire, officials clarified, but rather flash bangs used as part of the tactical entry.
Erie Mayor Daria Devlin's office urged residents to be cautious about sharing information, citing unverified reports and speculation that had circulated since the incident. Mayor Devlin is scheduled to address the city at a press conference at 4:00 p.m. Saturday.
Police were called to the scene just before 5 p.m. Friday. Witnesses told officers that the gunman had run into a nearby home. Law enforcement initially confirmed that two women were fatally shot on a sidewalk outside a residence. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah later said the shooter was also dead, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook reported that two children were also found dead inside the home. The identities of the victims have not been officially released, pending notification of family members.
Governor Shapiro issued a brief statement Saturday morning, saying, "I've spoken with Mayor Devlin and offered my Administration's full support following the tragic mass shooting in Erie last night — killing nine of our fellow Pennsylvanians." He added, "My heart breaks for this family. Lori and I are praying for their loved ones and the entire Erie community."
The shooting is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have drawn national attention to gun violence in Pennsylvania. Earlier this year, a shooting at a rally in Butler also resulted in fatalities, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety.
As the investigation continues, local and state authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the tragedy. The Erie community is mourning the loss of nine lives, and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This breaking news story will be updated as more details become available.
