Corry residents are expressing their grief over a mass shooting that took place in Erie on Friday that claimed the lives of nine individuals, including the gunman.
“My wife and I are horrified by the unimaginable tragedy and have been praying for the families affected by it,” said City of Corry Mayor Jeffrey T. Fike. “As we continue to pray for peace, everyone should understand how important it is to identify, and report persons experiencing mental health crisis. It is, and should always be for their safety and the safety of others.”
Erie police received reports of gunfire at 4:52 p.m. and responded to a residence in the 700 block of Perry Street. Officers immediately found a 51-year-old woman and a 37-year-old woman who were fatally wounded outside the home.
The additional victims — including children and the gunman — were found inside the residence. The gunman reportedly took his own life.
“It is unfortunate that humans as first responders have to respond to such tragic events,” said City of Corry Fire Chief Chris Lyon. “But that is a part of our job.”
Chief Lyon offered advice to any Corry residents if they witness any type of behavior which may lead to a situation.
“Nothing is black and white,” he said. “Do your due diligence and if you notice someone acting differently, make a call for a welfare check or do something.”
Erie County Coroner Lyle Cook has not yet released the names of the victims or the shooter. However, several online news outlets have stated the 45-year-old gunman was related to seven of the eight victims, including a 5-year-old boy, a 22-month-old girl and a 24-year-old woman who was eight months pregnant. The eight victim was a family friend.
Congressman Mike Kelly (R-16th) was in Corry on Saturday for a town hall meeting at the Corry Community Center, 15 S. 1st Ave. and shared his thoughts on the shooting during an interview with The Journal.
“It is awful that something like that has happened, it’s unbelievable,” he said. “My thoughts are with the families of those people who lost their lives.”
Several cell phones have been collected from the scene and police are using those to determine a possible motive.
Lyon suggested that if first responders needed assistance to deal with witnessing such an event, they could reach out to local clergy or the Erie County CISM Team.
More information can be found at www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/hamot/services/behavioral-health-services/services/crisis-services/cism.
For further information about domestic violence awareness in Pennsylvania, residents of Corry may log onto www.pa.gov/services/dhs/get-domestic-violence-support-.
The site has guides and contact information for individuals needing assistance.
Anyone experiencing a crisis or having thoughts of suicide, may reach out to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or chatting via 988lifeline.org.
Support is confidential, free and available 24/7.
Tom Hellyer and the Associated Press contributed to this story.