Authorities said multiple people were killed in a shooting in Pennsylvania on Friday night. The suspected gunman also died, reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Officers were called to a residence shortly before 5 p.m. local time after witnesses reported seeing someone fire a weapon and then flee into the home, Fox8 Live reported.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah called the incident the most horrific scene he had witnessed in nearly 30 years of law enforcement. Investigators, he said, were still working to establish what led to the shooting.
“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, according to Fox8.
Witnesses told police they saw the shooter enter a nearby house.
Multiple people were killed in a shooting along Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, authorities reportedly said. (Google Maps)
The Erie SWAT team and a large number of police officers surrounded the residence. WFXP reported that officers secured a warrant before entering the property.
“It’s a horrific scene,” Lorah told the station. “There was a large loss of life inside that residence and outside that residence.”
Lorah confirmed to WFXP that two women were among those killed but declined to provide the total number of victims.
“I can tell you that this is a tragic, tragic situation,” Lorah said.
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Erie police responded to the 700 block of Perry Street on Oct. 9, 2026, following reports of a shooting. (Erie Police Department)
Lorah told the station that officers found the suspected shooter dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The city of Erie said the shooting caused “multiple deaths” and confirmed that there was no continuing threat to the public.
“We understand that this news brings deep shock and sorrow to our residents, and we want to assure the public that the situation has been contained,” the city said.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by tonight’s tragedy,” the statement continued. “We will continue working closely with our Erie Police Dept, and will provide updates as soon as verified information becomes available.”
Erie police responded to reports of gunfire Friday evening before discovering multiple victims. (Erie Police Department)
Erie police told News Outlet that investigators were still processing the scene. Lorah was expected to brief the public with an update Saturday morning.
The department’s Criminal Investigations Division is continuing to investigate the shooting.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
