ERIE, Pa. —
Nine people, including two children, are dead after a shooting in Erie on Friday night.
Authorities say the suspected shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to a press release from the City of Erie, officers responded to the scene at a home near 7th and Perry Streets after receiving a ShotSpotter alert.
Witnesses say the suspect was seen firing a weapon outside before entering a home on the East Side.
Police arrived at the scene and tried to get the man to surrender.
Witnesses said they heard gunshots after police arrived at the scene. The City of Erie has now confirmed that no additional gunshots were fired after officers arrived at the scene.
According to the city, nearby residents may have heard flash-bangs that were set off during the police response and mistaken them for gunfire.
The City says that officers had limited information when they arrived at the scene and did not know if the suspect was still in the home or if they still posed a threat.
Police continued to monitor the situation while they asked for a search warrant for the home.
Police chief responds
A police chief on the scene shared his account of what he said is the most heartbreaking investigation his team has witnessed.
“I want to be candid with our community. This is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking scenes our officers and investigators have ever encountered. The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing. At this time, we can confirm that the suspect is deceased. Based on the information currently available to us, there is no ongoing threat to the public,” said Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah.
So far, there is no word on a possible motive.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
An investigation into the matter is ongoing.
City responds
The City of Erie Government responded to the shooting on Facebook.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by tonight’s tragedy.”
The city also said a press conference will be live streamed today at 4 p.m. on its Facebook page and YouTube channel.
During this press conference, the city said it will “clarify several important facts in response to inaccurate information circulating about the incident.”
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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also responded to the shooting.
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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…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) October 10, 2026