As many as nine people were killed, including two children and a pregnant woman, when a gunman opened fire in a suspected murder-suicide at a Pennsylvania home on Friday night, October 9, officials said. Around 5 pm on the day of the tragedy, police responded to reports of a shooting at a home in the city of Erie. They discovered two women fatally shot in the road outside the house, along with six additional victims and the deceased suspect.
Lorah confirmed that of the nine people who died, eight were related to each other, including the shooter. Lorah confirmed that no gunshots were fired after officers arrived, adding that loud noises heard during the police response were from flashbang devices used by the SWAT team. “It was horrific. One of the victims killed outside was a family friend. They were seen pacing and pounding on the door to get someone’s attention. Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz urged the public not to spread misinformation about the incident.
It was the worst scene I have ever experienced,” Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said at a press conference. Police said camera footage they recovered from a next-door neighbor’s home showed two women arriving at the house, appearing to be panicking and in distress.
“As the investigation continues, I want to make an important appeal to our community,” said Hirz. “Please do not allow rumors, speculation, or unverified information to add to the pain these families are already experiencing.”
