Multiple Fatalities in Pennsylvania Shooting, Suspect Found Dead
Erie Police Chief Describes Scene as 'Worst' in His Nearly Three Decades of Law Enforcement.
Authorities confirmed multiple fatalities, including the suspected gunman, following a shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday night. The suspected gunman reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police responded to a home in the 700 block of Perry Street around 5 p.m. local time after witnesses reported seeing an individual firing a weapon before entering the residence. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the scene as the most disturbing and heartbreaking he has encountered in nearly 30 years on the force.
"I want to be candid with our community. 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," Lorah stated, according to Fox8 Live. Witnesses reportedly told police they saw the shooter run into a nearby home.
The Erie SWAT team and numerous officers surrounded the residence before obtaining a warrant and entering the property. Lorah told WFXP that two women had been killed, but he did not confirm the exact total number of victims at the time, describing it as a "tragic, tragic situation."
The city of Erie issued a statement confirming the incident resulted in "multiple deaths" and assured the public that there was no ongoing threat. "We understand that this news brings deep shock and sorrow to our residents, and we want to assure the public that the situation has been contained," the statement read. "Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by tonight's tragedy."
Investigators were continuing to process the crime scene, and Lorah was expected to provide an update on Saturday morning. The department's Criminal Investigations Division is leading the ongoing investigation.