Such devastating news out of Pennsylvania.
Nine people, including two children, have been killed in a mass shooting in Erie, leaving a community reeling as authorities work to piece together exactly what happened.
According to local news outlets including Erie News Now, police were called to Erie’s Perry Street around 5 p.m. Friday after witnesses reported seeing a man firing a gun before entering a home. Two women were found dead in the street, while additional victims were discovered inside the residence.
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The suspect was also found dead from what police described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. By Saturday morning, authorities had confirmed that nine people had died.
Police emphasized that all the deaths occurred before officers arrived and that no additional shots were fired afterward. Sounds heard during the response were flash-bangs used by tactical teams. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah addressed the heartbreaking loss of life, saying:
“There are no words that can adequately express the magnitude of the loss of life here. Out of respect for the victims and their loved ones, I will not discuss the specific details of what our officers encountered today. 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.”
Meanwhile, the City of Erie and Mayor Daria Devlin released a joint statement on social media, reassuring residents that the immediate danger had passed.
“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. 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.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also expressed his condolences earl on Saturday morning. He offered state support to the affected community.
“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. My heart breaks for this family. Lori and I are praying for their loved ones and the entire Erie community.”
Authorities have not announced a motive, and investigators are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The city and police department were expected to provide further updates at 4 p.m. ET Saturday.
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In the meantime, you can watch more (below):
What a terrible, terrible story.
Nine lives have been lost, including those of two children, and loved ones are facing an unimaginable tragedy.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this horrific violence.
If you’re experiencing emotional distress related to incidents of mass violence, you can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit their website at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline for more resources.
To learn more about the impact of gun violence, visit https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/gun-violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, or go to https://www.thehotline.org/.
If you have sincere cause to suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org.
[Image via CBS Pittsburgh/YouTube]