Erie, Pa (WJET/WFXP)– In the wake of Friday night’s horrific shooting that Governor Shapiro said left nine people dead, Erie and Pennsylvania officials as well as several organizations, have released statements expressing sympathy for the victims and the Erie community.
We reached out to several elected officials for a statement on the tragedy. This article will be updated as they’re received.
City of Erie
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. We will continue working closely with our Erie Police Dept, and will provide updates as soon as verified information becomes available.
Governor Josh Shapiro
“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.”
State Representative Pat Harkins
“This senseless, horrific shooting has shaken everyone in and around our city to our very cores, and I join the people of Erie in mourning the fallen, praying for their families and praising the Erie Police Department for their quick response to prevent even greater tragedy.
“Our hearts are broken for the loved ones of the victims and the people whose quiet neighborhood just a few blocks from a park and a middle school became a war zone. I know so many people who live in this part of our city, and I am still in shock.
“The investigation is ongoing, and I am confident in our law enforcement to find out how this could have happened. Now, all we can do is come together as a community and stand strong together like the people of Erie have always done.”
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
“My heart goes out to the victims, their families and loved ones who lost their lives in this senseless tragedy in Erie.“
“I have reached out to officials in Erie to offer any assistance my office can provide as they search for answers and process this awful crime.”
Erie County Government
“Erie County extends its deepest sympathies and prayers to the victims and families impacted by the tragic events on 7th & Perry Streets in the City of Erie.”
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss. Erie County stands ready to work alongside the City of Erie and provide any assistance needed to support local law enforcement and emergency responders as the investigation moves forward.”
“In the days ahead, we must come together to support one another. No family or community should have to navigate this kind of heartbreak alone.”
U.S. Senator Dave McCormick
“Heartbroken by the horrific violence in Erie. Dina and I are praying for the victims, their loved ones, and the entire Erie community.”
“We’re grateful to the brave law enforcement officers and first responders who ran toward danger. Pennsylvania stands with Erie.”
U.S. Representative Mike Kelly
“I’m praying for the Erie community after the devastating events on Friday night,” said Rep. Kelly. “May we hold the victims, their families, and those impacted by this tragedy in our hearts.”
State Senator Dan Laughlin
“I am heartbroken by the tragic loss of life in Erie last night. My wife Peggy and I are praying for the victims, their families and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.”
“There is absolutely no place for this kind of violence in our community.”
“I am also thinking of the law enforcement officers, first responders and others who were exposed to the trauma of last night’s events.”
“Erie is a strong, close-knit community, and in the days ahead, we must come together to support the grieving families and one another.”
State Representative Ryan Bizzarro
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and everyone impacted by this senseless violence.”
“Our entire community mourns with these families tonight. May they find strength, comfort and peace in the difficult days ahead.”
Erie Community Foundation
“Our hearts are broken for the families and loved ones affected by Friday’s mass shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania. We mourn the loss of nine lives, including two children, and hold our community close during this painful time.”
“We are grateful to our first responders, Erie police and fire, and Mayor Daria S. Devlin and her team. As Erie mourns, we stand together in compassion and care for one another.”
Diocese of Erie
“The Diocese of Erie joins our community in mourning the heartbreaking loss of life in Erie on Friday.”
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who died, the neighbors and community affected by this tragedy, and the first responders, law enforcement officers and all those called to serve during this difficult time.”
“We invite the faithful to join us in prayer for those who have lost their lives and for all who carry the grief and sorrow of this tragedy.”
GIFFORDS
“I am devastated to hear that eight people, including two children, were killed in a horrific act of gun violence last night. My heart is with the loved ones and everyone in Erie impacted by this unacceptable tragedy,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “We can’t accept these tragedies as normal. But until leaders everywhere decide to stand up and act, our communities will continue to suffer. Leaders at the local, state, and federal levels have an urgent responsibility to pass commonsense gun laws and save lives.”
Erie Otters
“The Erie Otters are heartbroken by the loss of life in last night’s shooting. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed, and to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
“Erie is our home, and these are our neighbors. We grieve alongside our community and hold the families facing this unimaginable loss close in our hearts.”
“We are grateful to the first responders and everyone caring for those affected. In the days ahead, please look after one another and give those grieving the compassion, space and support they need.”
Salvation Army of Erie
“Our hearts are with everyone affected by last night’s tragic shooting. We mourn those who lost their lives and extend our deepest sympathy to their families, loved ones, and all those whose lives have been forever changed.”
“Our community is hurting, and we are holding everyone affected close in prayer. We are praying for the families, loved ones, first responders, and all who are helping. We ask God to bring comfort and strength in the difficult days ahead.”
“Please keep these families in your prayers and check on one another. A kind word, a listening ear, or simply being present can mean so much when someone is hurting.”
AHN Saint Vincent
“Highmark Health, Allegheny Health Network and AHN Saint Vincent extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones and neighbors of those who were lost in yesterday’s senseless violence. We join the entire Erie region in mourning the victims, and we are committed to assisting those affected by this loss in the difficult days ahead. AHN’s behavioral health team is providing support to those impacted, and will also serve as a resource for local mental health professionals who are helping community members cope with this tragedy. “