Pennsylvania shooting: 9 dead in Erie mass shooting, including children; suspected shooter found dead | Today’s news
Nine people, including children, were killed in a mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania on Friday night, Oct. 9, according to multiple media reports citing officials. The suspected shooter was also found dead inside the residence, with investigators believing he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to NBC Philadelphia, police responded to a home on Perry Street in Erie around 5 p.m. Friday after witnesses reported seeing a gunman outside the home firing shots before entering the residence.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found two women who had been shot in the street.
News reports said the incident subsequently escalated into a standoff, with Erie police and SWAT teams surrounding the residence. According to the report, more shots were then fired from inside the house.
When officers entered the home, they reportedly discovered the bodies of seven other people, including children, along with the suspected gunman.
The identities of the victims and the suspect have not yet been released.
Erie police say there is no ongoing threat
The Erie city government confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as a tragedy that claimed several lives.
“A terrible tragedy occurred tonight near 7th and Perry Streets in Erie, resulting in multiple fatalities,” the city said.
The statement added that the situation was under control and there was no permanent threat to the public.
“The shooter is deceased and there is no ongoing threat or danger to the public at this time,” the city said, offering condolences to the families of the victims and others affected by the shooting.
The city said it will continue to work with the Erie Police Department and provide updates as verified information becomes available.
The police chief described the shooting as heartbreaking
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as one of the most difficult and heartbreaking scenes he has ever seen, NBC Philadelphia reported.
“The loss of life is devastating and the circumstances we are going through are deeply troubling,” Lorah said.
He confirmed that the suspect is dead and reiterated that based on the information available to investigators, there is no ongoing threat to the public.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all those affected by this tragedy,” the police chief said, adding that words cannot adequately express the extent of the loss of life.
The motive remains under investigation
Investigators are trying to determine what led to the shooting and the circumstances of the death.
Authorities have not released a possible motive, and the identities of the victims and the suspected shooter remain unknown.
Police have not released further details about the sequence of events inside the residence or the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing.
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