Police say the gunman is also dead and there is no continuing threat to the public, but have released few details about what happened on Perry Street.
Nine people, including two children, are reported to have died after a shooting and an hours-long stand-off in Erie, northern Pennsylvania, on Friday 9 October. Police were called to Perry Street at about 5pm local time after witnesses said they saw a man firing a gun before he went into a house. Two women were found dead in the street, and further victims were found inside the home. Police said the suspect was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
What police have said
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said it was difficult to put the scale of the loss into words. “There are no words that can adequately express the magnitude of the loss of life here,” he said. “Out of respect for the victims and their loved ones, I will not discuss the specific details of what our officers encountered today.”
He added: “Our investigators are working diligently as we speak to establish the full circumstances of what occurred. We will not speculate about a motive or any information that could compromise this investigation.”
It is unclear whether the suspect is counted among the nine reported dead. Early local reports mentioned five victims before later reports put the total at nine, and the figure should be treated as reported rather than a fully confirmed official count. Authorities have not released the victims’ identities.
How the incident unfolded
Police were called to the 700 block of Perry Street, near East 7th Street in eastern Erie. Witnesses reportedly saw a man firing a handgun outside before he entered a house. Officers, including a SWAT team, surrounded the property and repeatedly called on the suspect to surrender. Police reportedly heard further gunshots from inside before officers entered the building.
Some US media reports said a pregnant woman was among those killed, alongside the two children. Authorities have not confirmed that detail.
Statement from city officials
The City of Erie government and Mayor Daria Devlin issued a joint statement on social media. It said: “Tonight, a terrible tragedy occurred near 7th and Perry Streets in Erie, resulting in multiple deaths. 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.”
It continued: “The shooter is deceased, and there is no ongoing threat or danger to the public at this time. Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by tonight’s tragedy.”
Investigation continues
Police have not said what prompted the shooting or how the suspect was related to those inside the home. The investigation is continuing. Further details are expected as authorities verify information and notify relatives.
