Shooting leaves 9 dead including suspect in Erie, Pennsylvania, police say

A shooting at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania resulted in eight deaths on Friday 9 October 2026. The suspected gunman was among the deceased, who also had not been identified at the time of reporting. Police responded to the scene around 4:50 p.m. Eastern time after receiving a ShotSpotter alert, a system that detects gunfire and informs authorities of its location.

Upon arrival, police and SWAT officers found multiple victims dead inside the house, including at least two children. Two women were discovered dead on the sidewalk outside the residence. The suspected gunman was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police stated that all deaths occurred before their arrival and there were no shots fired after their presence.

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as a "horrific scene" and the "most difficult and heartbreaking" of his nearly three decades in law enforcement. Mayor Daria Devlin expressed her sympathy for the victims, their families, and the entire Erie community. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania also extended his support to Mayor Devlin and his prayers for the affected individuals and the community.

The identities of the victims, including the victims' ages and the relationship between the gunman and the victims, have not been disclosed by authorities. No motive has been provided for the shooting, and police have not announced any injured individuals. The public is advised to wait for official confirmation from police before sharing any names or images online to avoid causing additional distress to grieving families.

Visitors to Erie and the broader Great Lakes region are encouraged to follow guidance from local authorities, as there is currently no ongoing threat to the public.