Gunman kills eight, including two children, in Erie, Pennsylvania home, then dies by suicide
Police were called to a house in Erie at about 17:00 local time on Friday, after witnesses saw a man fire a handgun outside before he went inside. The suspect is believed to have killed himself after a standoff with officers.
What happened
Police in Erie, a city in northern Pennsylvania, were called to a house at around 17:00 local time on Friday 9 October, after witnesses saw a man fire a handgun outside the home and then go inside. Two women were found dead in the street, according to the local broadcaster Erie News Now. When officers arrived, the suspect barricaded himself inside, and gunshots were heard while officers ordered him to surrender. Inside, police found the bodies of several victims as well as that of the suspect, who is believed to have turned the weapon on himself.
Toll and conflicting figures
Most reports put the death toll at eight, including two children. La Razón, citing authorities, earlier reported nine dead, among them several children. The identities of the suspect and the victims have not been released, and investigators have not announced a possible motive.
- Police called to a house in Erie after witnesses saw a man shoot outside and enter
- City of Erie issues statement calling the event a 'terrible tragedy' and saying the situation is under control
Police and city response
Erie police declined to comment when contacted by AFP. A press conference by the mayor was expected on Friday afternoon. In a statement on Friday evening, the city government called the event a 'terrible tragedy' and said the situation was under control with no ongoing threat to the public.
Police chief Rick Lorah, quoted by ABC, described the scene in strong terms.
This is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking scenes our officers and investigators have ever witnessed. The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are facing are deeply disturbing.
