9 dead, including 2 small children, in Erie mass shooting; investigation ongoing

Crime scene tape still surrounds the home where nine people tragically lost their lives in a mass shooting Friday.

Officers were called to Erie's East Side just before 5 p.m. after a report of two women shot outside the Perry Street home.

Officials say police were at the scene minutes after receiving a ShotSpotter alert, however by that time all nine people were already dead.

Those nine reportedly include two children.

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah told WJET, our ABC affiliate in Erie, repeatedly that the number of lives lost at the 700 block of Perry Street was not only devastating but the crime scene was by far the worst one he has ever seen in his law enforcement career.

Hearst OwnedReports from ErieAfter the shooting of the two women, witnesses told WJET they saw a gunman run into a nearby home.

Officers surrounded the home before forcing their way inside after securing a warrant.

Once inside, sources told WJET there were multiple bodies, including the bodies of two small children.

That gunman was also found dead from what officials believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this tragedy. There are no words that can be adequately expressed the magnitude of the loss of life here,” said Chief Lorah.

”Yeah, it’s a horrific scene,” replied Lorah. “There was a large loss of life inside that residence and outside that residence.” Lorah then went on to say, "I can tell you that this is a tragic, tragic situation.”

An investigation into what led to the shooting is still ongoing. It is unclear how and if the victims and the gunman knew each other.

Gov. Josh Shapiro is among the many offering condolences following Friday evening's mass shooting.

"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," Shapiro posted on X.

Republican Rep. Mike Kelly also released a statement, saying he was praying for the Erie community after the devastating events in Erie.

"May we hold the victims, their families, and those impacted by this tragedy in our hearts," Kelly said, in part.