6 hrs ago
Nine Dead in Erie Shooting as Officials Clarify Police Response
A shooting happened near a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, October 9.
Police were called at about 5 p.m.
after people reported seeing someone fire a gun outside and go into the home.
Officers found two women who had died on the street.
They later found seven more victims inside, as well as the suspected gunman, who was also dead.
Investigators think the gunman may have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The city said all nine reported deaths happened before police arrived.
Some early reports said there was a standoff and more gunfire, but the city said no more shots were fired after officers arrived.
It said loud sounds during the police operation were flash bangs.
Officials said there was no continuing danger to the public, and the motive and identities have not been announced.
Nine people, including two children, were reported killed in a shooting near 7th and Perry Streets in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Police responded at about 5 p.m. on Friday, October 9, after witnesses reported seeing a gunman firing outside a residence and entering it.
Officers found two women dead on the street and later found seven more victims inside the home; the suspected gunman was also found dead inside.
Investigators believe the suspected gunman may have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound; officials have not announced a motive or identities.
Initial reports described a standoff and further gunfire, but the city said all nine deaths occurred before officers arrived and sounds mistaken for gunfire were police flash bangs.
- Who
- Nine people, including two children, were reported killed; the suspected gunman was also found dead.
- What
- A shooting at a residence left nine people dead, with the circumstances under investigation.
- Where
- Near 7th and Perry Streets in Erie, Pennsylvania.
- When
- Friday evening, October 9; police responded at about 5 p.m. The year was not specified.
- Why
- Authorities have not announced a motive.
Initial media reports
City clarification
Events after police arrived
Initial media reports
Initial reports described a standoff and said more gunshots were heard inside the residence.
City clarification
The city said all nine deaths occurred before officers arrived and no additional gunshots were fired afterward; sounds mistaken for gunfire were police flash bangs.
Police operation
Initial media reports
Some initial coverage described officers and SWAT teams surrounding the residence during a standoff before entering.
City clarification
The city said the deaths were not the result of a prolonged standoff or delayed police action.
Key facts
- Reported deaths
- Nine people, including two children, were reported killed.
- Police response
- Officers responded at about 5 p.m. on Friday, October 9.
- Location
- A residence near 7th and Perry Streets in Erie, Pennsylvania.
- Victims found
- Two women were found dead on the street; seven more victims were found inside the home.
- Suspected gunman
- Found dead inside the residence; investigators believe the death may have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- City clarification
- The city said all nine deaths occurred before officers arrived and no additional gunshots were fired after their arrival; sounds mistaken for gunfire were flash bangs.
- Investigation
- Victim and suspect identities and a motive had not been announced.
- Public safety
- Officials said there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Quotes
City of Erie Government
The municipal government that issued a statement about the shooting.
“Tonight, a terrible tragedy occurred near 7th and Perry Streets in Erie, resulting in multiple deaths.”
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“The shooter is deceased, and there is no ongoing threat or danger to the public at this time.”
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Rick Lorah
Erie Police Chief.
“The loss of life is devastating and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing.”
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