Authorities said multiple people were killed in a shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday night. The suspected gunman was also found dead, 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 run into the home, according to Fox8 Live.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah called the incident the most disturbing scene he had faced in nearly 30 years of law enforcement. He said investigators were still working to establish the sequence of events.
“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 that the shooter fled into a nearby residence.
Authorities reportedly said multiple people were killed in a shooting on Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. (Google Maps)
WFXP reported that Erie’s SWAT team and a large contingent of officers surrounded the property, secured a warrant and then entered the home.
“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 he did not disclose 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, after receiving reports of a shooting. (Erie Police Department)
Lorah said the suspected shooter was located inside the property and had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The city of Erie said the shooting resulted in “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 and later discovered multiple victims. (Erie Police Department)
Erie police told News Media that detectives were still processing the crime scene. Lorah was expected to brief the public again Saturday morning.
The department’s Criminal Investigations Division is leading the ongoing investigation.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.