[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
Such devastating news from Pennsylvania.
Nine people, including two children, have been killed in a mass shooting in Erie that has left the community in shock and authorities working to piece together exactly what happened.
According to local news outlets including Erie News NowPolice were called to Perry Street in Erie around 5 p.m. Friday after witnesses reported seeing a man firing a gun before entering a home. Two women were found dead on 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, officials had confirmed that nine people had died.
Police emphasized that all the deaths occurred before officers arrived and there were no additional shots fired afterward. The sounds heard during the response were flash-bangs used by tactical teams. Erie Police Chief rick lorah Addressing the heartbreaking loss of life, he said:
“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 that our officers learned today. Our investigators are working diligently to establish the full circumstances of what happened. We will not speculate about a motive or any information that could compromise this investigation.”
Meanwhile, the city of Erie and the mayor Daria Devlin A joint statement was issued on social media assuring residents that the immediate threat had passed.
“Tonight, a terrible tragedy occurred near 7th and Perry Streets in Erie, resulting in the deaths of multiple people. We understand that this news brings deep shock and sadness to our residents, and we want to reassure the public that the situation has been contained. The shooter has died, and there is no threat or danger to the public at this time. Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by tonight’s tragedy.”
Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro also expressed his condolences on Saturday morning. He offered state aid to the affected community.
“I have spoken with Mayor Devlin and offered my administration’s full support following the tragic mass shooting in Erie last night – nine of our fellow Pennsylvanians were killed. 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 check out more (below):
What a terrible, terrible story.
Nine people, including two children, have lost their lives and loved ones are facing an unimaginable tragedy.
Our condolences go out to all those affected by this horrific violence.
If you are experiencing emotional distress related to incidents of mass violence, you can call or text the Disaster Crisis Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit their website. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline For more resources.
To learn more about the impact of gun violence, visit here 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 visit https://www.thehotline.org/.
If you have serious reason 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]