‘Deeply disturbing’: 9 dead in Pennsylvania shooting, police chief says

ERIE, Pa. (WICU/WSEE) — Nine people are dead after a shooting Friday night, authorities said.

Police said the suspected shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Witnesses said the suspect was seen firing a weapon before entering a house.

Police arrived at the scene near 7th and Perry streets, and tried to get the man to surrender. Additional gunshots were then heard from inside the home.

“At this time we can confirm that the suspect is deceased. Based on the information currently available to us, there is no ongoing threat to the public,” Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said.

There is no word yet on a possible motive. The identities of the victims have not been released.

“I want to be candid with our community. This is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking scenes our officers and investigators have ever encountered. The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing,” Lorah said.

An investigation into the matter is ongoing.