Nine Dead in Erie, Pennsylvania Mass Shooting

Nine people are dead, including two children and the suspected shooter, after a mass shooting at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, October 9. Police said the suspected gunman died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

What Police Say Happened

Erie police responded to the 700 block of Perry Street, near East Seventh Street, at about 4:50 p.m. after a ShotSpotter alert reported gunfire. Officers found two women fatally shot outside the home and later discovered additional victims inside.

Police Chief Rick Lorah said a witness saw the suspected shooter firing at the two women outside before entering the residence. Eight people were fatally shot; the suspect’s death brought the total to nine.

Children Among the Victims

Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook said two children were among those found dead inside the home. The victims’ identities and ages have not been publicly released.

Authorities have not established a motive, and police have urged the public not to speculate while the investigation continues.

No Shots Fired After Police Arrived

The city later clarified that all the deaths occurred before officers arrived and that no additional shots were fired after police reached the scene.

Sounds heard during the police response were identified as flash-bang devices used by tactical officers, not gunfire.

Officials Respond

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed condolences and said he had spoken with Erie Mayor Daria Devlin. The city described the shooting as a “terrible tragedy” and confirmed that the suspected shooter was dead.

Investigators are working to determine the victims’ identities, the suspect’s relationship to them and the circumstances that led to the shooting. Until authorities release verified findings, claims about a motive or family dispute remain unconfirmed.

Source:cbsnews