Authorities confirmed multiple deaths following a shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday night, including the suspected gunman. The gunman reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police responded to a home shortly before 5 p.m. local time after witnesses reported seeing a person firing a weapon before entering the residence, according to a report from Fox8 Live.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the scene as unprecedented in his nearly three decades of law enforcement experience. Local media was informed that investigators are still trying to piece together the exact events that transpired.
“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 stated, according to Fox8.
Witnesses reportedly claimed they saw the shooter enter a nearby home.
Multiple fatalities occurred during the shooting along Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, as reported by authorities. The Erie SWAT team and numerous police officers surrounded the residence before obtaining a warrant to enter.
“It’s a horrific scene,” Lorah told WFXP. “There was a large loss of life inside that residence and outside that residence.” He confirmed that two women were killed but did not specify the exact number of victims.
“I can tell you that this is a tragic, tragic situation,” Lorah said.
The suspected shooter was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The city of Erie released a statement declaring multiple deaths and confirming no ongoing 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 stated.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by tonight’s tragedy,” the statement continued.
Erie Police Department promised continued updates as verified information becomes available. Police responded to reports of gunfire on Friday evening, discovering multiple victims.
Erie police informed Fox News Digital that investigators continue processing the crime scene and that Chief Lorah is expected to provide an update Saturday morning.
The department’s Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating the shooting. Further updates will follow as this story develops.