9 people dead in Erie, Pennsylvania mass shooting

ERIE, Pa. (WJET) — Nine people are dead after what Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro described as a mass shooting in the City of Erie Friday night.

The City of Erie also confirmed Saturday morning that nine people lost their lives in what they’re describing as a tragedy.

According to the city, officers arrived on the scene within minutes of receiving a ShotSpotter alert, and they say investigators found that all deaths happened before officers arrived. They also clarified that sounds heard during the police response were not gunfire. The city says those sounds were flash bangs from law enforcement’s tactical response.

Erie Mayor Daria Devlin’s office urged residents to “exercise care in sharing information,” citing “unverified reports and speculation” that circulated since the incident.

Erie police were called to the scene just before 5 p.m. Friday evening. Witnesses told police the gunman then ran into a nearby home.

Law enforcement first confirmed that two women were fatally shot on a sidewalk outside a home. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah later confirmed that the shooter is also dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook, two children were also found deceased inside the home.

Governor Shapiro released a brief statement Saturday morning, saying:

“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.”

Erie Mayor Daria Devlin is expected to address the city and provide more information at a press conference at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.