PITTSBURGH —
Nine people were found dead after a shooting Friday night at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania. Local sources reported that two were children.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said nine people had died, and Erie News Now said the shooter was among the dead.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said the number of lives lost on the 700 block of Perry Street was devastating and that the crime scene was by far the worst one he has ever seen in his law enforcement career.
“This is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking scenes our officers and investigators have ever encountered,” he said. “The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing.”
Reports from Erie
The first reports made to police were of two women who had been shot outside a home on Perry Street, according to WJET.
Witnesses then told police the gunman had run into a nearby house.
The city of Erie released a statement clarifying the events, saying investigators determined that all nine deaths happened before police arrived.
“The deaths were not the result of any prolonged standoff or delay in police action,” the city said. “No additional gunshots were fired after police arrived. Sounds heard during the police response that may have been mistaken for gunfire were flash bangs associated with law enforcement’s tactical response.”
According to local media, once inside, police found multiple bodies in different areas of the home.
Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook said two children were found dead inside the home.
“Our hearts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected by this tragedy. There are no words that can be adequately expressed the magnitude of the loss of life here,” Lorah said.
The city will hold a press conference at 4 p.m.
‘Horrific scene’
“It’s a horrific scene,” Lorah said. “There was a large loss of life inside that residence and outside that residence.”
Lorah went on to say, “I can’t confirm or deny the amount of individuals that were involved here. I can tell you that this is a tragic, tragic situation.”
Lorah told WJET the suspect is dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
An investigation into what led to the shooting is ongoing. It is unclear whether any of the victims and the shooter knew each other.
Erie is a city of 94,831 people on the shore of Lake Erie. It is about 80 miles from Buffalo, 90 miles from Cleveland, and 120 miles from Pittsburgh.
This article has been updated with additional information.
